Explain how the body uses hormones to return blood glucose concentration to the normal level after a person has carried out vigorous exercise.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
During vigorous exercise, muscles use glucose rapidly as a source of energy. This causes blood glucose concentration to fall below the normal level.
Model answer (4 marks)
The pancreas senses the drop in blood glucose and releases the hormone glucagon. Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream, restoring glucose to normal levels.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘secretes’ for glucagon, not ‘produces’.
- Show the sequence: pancreas → glucagon → liver glycogen → glucose → blood.
- Mention that this is the counter‑regulatory response to hypoglycaemia.
- Keep the answer concise – 4 points only.
Common mistakes
- Confusing glucagon with insulin.
- Failing to mention the liver as the site of glycogenolysis.
- Using vague terms like ‘hormones’ without specifying glucagon.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- The pancreas detects the fall in blood glucose concentration
- The pancreas secretes / releases glucagon
- Glucagon causes the liver to convert glycogen into glucose
- Glucose is released into the blood, returning blood glucose concentration to the normal level
Key terms in this question
Related
- All WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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