# Describe the roles of insulin and glucagon in maintaining a stable blood glucose concentration in the body.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 4.4 Application of reproduction and genetics · Describe · 5 marks

> After eating a meal containing carbohydrates, the concentration of glucose in the blood rises. The body must respond to restore the optimum blood glucose level. Later, during exercise, blood glucose levels begin to fall and the body must respond again.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Insulin is produced/secreted by the pancreas
2. Insulin decreases blood glucose concentration by increasing uptake of glucose into cells
3. Insulin causes the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage
4. Glucagon is produced/secreted by the pancreas and increases blood glucose concentration
5. Glucagon causes glycogen to be converted into glucose (in the liver)

## Key terms

- [insulin](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/insulin)
- [glucagon](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glucagon)
- [glucose](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glucose)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-roles-of-insulin-and-8e4436ea) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.