Explain how the hormone insulin helps to reduce high blood glucose levels in the body.

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 normal.

Model answer (4 marks)

Insulin is released by the pancreas.
Insulin causes the liver (and muscle cells) to convert glucose into glycogen.
Insulin increases the uptake of glucose by cells.
This reduces blood glucose levels back to normal.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terminology: 'insulin is released by the pancreas', 'convert glucose into glycogen', 'cells take up glucose', 'lowers blood glucose levels'.
  • Show the causal chain: release → action on liver/muscle → uptake → reduction.
  • Keep each point concise and separate, matching the four marks.

Common mistakes

  • Writing 'insulin is secreted by the pancreas' instead of 'released' (acceptable but less common).
  • Omitting the action on liver/muscle or the uptake step.
  • Using vague phrases like 'helps the body use glucose' without specifying glycogen storage.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Insulin is released / secreted by the pancreas
  2. Insulin causes the liver (and muscle cells) to convert glucose into glycogen
  3. Cells take up / absorb more glucose from the blood
  4. This lowers blood glucose levels back to / towards normal

Key terms in this question

insulin · blood glucose

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