Knowledge Organiser
Part of Glucose Regulation · GCSE GCSE Biology revision
This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser within Glucose Regulation for GCSE Biology. Topic 6: Glucose Regulation It is section 14 of 15 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 14 of 15
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser
Blood Glucose Control
- High glucose → beta cells → insulin → glycogenesis → glucose falls
- Low glucose → alpha cells → glucagon → glycogenolysis → glucose rises
- Insulin — lowers blood glucose; glucose into cells; glycogen stored
- Glucagon — raises blood glucose; glycogen → glucose; released to blood
- Target organs for insulin: liver and muscle cells (stimulates glucose uptake and glycogen storage)
- Target organ for glucagon: liver (stimulates glycogen → glucose conversion)
- Islets of Langerhans — clusters of cells in the pancreas containing alpha cells (glucagon) and beta cells (insulin)
Diabetes Comparison
- Type 1: No insulin produced (beta cells destroyed by immune system)
- Type 1 treatment: Insulin injections (essential)
- Type 2: Cells do not respond to insulin (insulin resistance)
- Type 2 risk factors: Obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise
- Type 2 treatment: Diet, exercise, weight loss; medication if needed
- Both: Persistently high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) if untreated
Common Mistakes
- Confusing glucose, glycogen, and glucagon: Glucose is the sugar in the blood; glycogen is the storage polysaccharide in liver and muscle; glucagon is the hormone that raises blood glucose by converting glycogen back to glucose. These three G-words are among the most commonly confused terms in Unit 6.
- Saying insulin "removes" glucose from the blood: Insulin does not destroy glucose. It causes cells (especially liver and muscle) to take up glucose and convert it to glycogen for storage. The glucose is still in the body — it is just stored rather than circulating.
- Mixing up Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: Type 1 is caused by the immune system destroying beta cells so no insulin is produced — it requires insulin injections. Type 2 is caused by cells becoming resistant to insulin — it is managed with diet and exercise first. Do not state that Type 2 patients cannot produce insulin.
- Not naming the specific pancreatic cells: Saying "the pancreas releases insulin" is incomplete. Beta cells release insulin; alpha cells release glucagon. Always name the specific cell type for full marks.
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Practice Questions for Glucose Regulation
Which organ monitors blood glucose concentration and secretes insulin and glucagon?
Explain how blood glucose concentration is raised when it falls below the normal level.
Quick Recall Flashcards
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