Explain how the human body responds when blood glucose concentration falls below the normal level.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.5.3 Homeostasis · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

After a long period without eating, a person's blood glucose concentration drops below the normal range.

Model answer (4 marks)

The pancreas senses the low glucose level and releases glucagon.
Glucagon stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose.
The released glucose enters the bloodstream.
Blood glucose concentration is restored to the normal range.

Examiner tips

Use the exact sequence: pancreas → glucagon → glycogen → glucose → normal level. Mention the pancreas as the sensor and the liver as the site of glycogenolysis. Show the cause–effect chain clearly. Keep each step brief but complete.

Common mistakes

Forgetting to name the pancreas as the sensor. Confusing insulin with glucagon. Omitting the liver as the site of glycogen breakdown. Using vague terms like "body reacts" without specifying glucagon.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

The pancreas detects the fall in blood glucose concentration
Glucagon is released (from the pancreas)
Glucagon causes glycogen to be converted to glucose (in the liver)
Blood glucose concentration returns to / is restored to the normal level

Key terms in this question

blood glucose concentration