# Explain how insulin and glucagon work together to maintain a stable blood glucose concentration after a person eats a meal rich in carbohydrates.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 7.1 Hormonal coordination · Explain · 4 marks

> After eating a meal rich in carbohydrates, the blood glucose concentration rises. The pancreas detects this change and responds by secreting hormones to restore normal blood glucose levels.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The pancreas secretes insulin when blood glucose concentration is too high
2. Insulin causes liver and muscle cells to increase their uptake of glucose AND causes conversion of glucose to glycogen in the liver, lowering blood glucose concentration
3. If blood glucose concentration falls too low, the pancreas secretes glucagon
4. Glucagon causes the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver, raising blood glucose concentration back to normal

## 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 Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" 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/explain-how-insulin-and-glucagon-work-46dad88d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.