Explain how the body detects and responds to a rise in blood glucose levels above the normal level.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 4.2 Hormonal coordination and control in humans · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

After eating a meal containing carbohydrates, blood glucose levels rise above the normal level. The body must detect this change and take action to restore the normal level.

Model answer (4 marks)

The pancreas senses the increase in blood glucose.
The pancreas releases the hormone insulin.
Insulin stimulates the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
Blood glucose levels fall back to the normal range.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘senses’ or ‘detects’ for the pancreas. Mention insulin, not glucagon, as the hormone that lowers glucose. Show the liver’s role in glycogen synthesis. Explain that glucose levels return to normal.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Confusing glucagon with insulin. Failing to state that the pancreas is the detecting organ. Omitting the liver’s glycogen‑synthesis step. Using vague terms like ‘body’ instead of specific organs.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose levels
  2. The pancreas releases / secretes the hormone glucagon
  3. Insulin causes the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage
  4. Blood glucose levels return to / are restored to the normal level

Key terms in this question

blood glucose

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