# Describe the roles of insulin and glucagon in maintaining a stable blood glucose concentration. Include in your answer how each hormone brings about its effect.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 4.3 Variation and evolution · Describe · 5 marks

> The pancreas produces hormones that work together to keep blood glucose levels within a narrow range. This is an example of homeostasis.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Insulin is produced/released by the pancreas when blood glucose concentration is too high
2. Insulin causes glucose to be taken up into cells / allows cells to absorb more glucose
3. Insulin causes the liver to convert glucose into glycogen for storage
4. Glucagon is produced/released by the pancreas when blood glucose concentration is too low
5. Glucagon causes the liver to convert glycogen back into glucose, increasing blood glucose concentration

## Key terms

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

## 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)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-roles-of-insulin-and-e7f045b2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.