# Explain how the body responds when blood glucose concentration falls below the optimum level. In your answer, name the hormone involved and describe its effect on the liver.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 4.2 Inheritance · Explain · 5 marks

> After a long period without eating, the concentration of glucose in a person's blood drops below the normal level.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The pancreas detects the fall in blood glucose concentration
2. The pancreas releases / secretes glucagon
3. Glucagon travels in the blood to the liver (as a chemical messenger / hormone)
4. Glucagon causes the liver to convert glycogen into glucose
5. Blood glucose concentration rises back to the optimum / normal level (negative feedback)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Biology](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-the-body-responds-when-3338d981) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.