# Insulin and glucagon work together to maintain a stable blood glucose concentration. Explain how these two hormones bring blood glucose concentration back to the optimum level after a person eats a large meal containing carbohydrates, and after a period of intense exercise.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 4.4 Application of reproduction and genetics · Explain · 5 marks

> The pancreas produces hormones that control blood glucose concentration. This is an example of a negative feedback system.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. After a meal, blood glucose concentration rises above the optimum / increases
2. The pancreas releases insulin in response to high blood glucose
3. Insulin causes the liver (and cells) to convert glucose into glycogen for storage, lowering blood glucose concentration back to the optimum
4. During intense exercise, blood glucose concentration falls below the optimum / decreases as glucose is used in respiration
5. The pancreas releases glucagon, which converts glycogen back into glucose, raising blood glucose concentration back to the optimum

## Key terms

- [insulin](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/insulin)
- [glucagon](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/glucagon)
- [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/insulin-and-glucagon-work-together-to-708c5d4b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.