The Story: The Thermostat for Sugar

Part of Glucose Regulation · Section 1 of 15

IntroductionUnit: Homeostasis & ResponseGCSE

This introduction covers The Story: The Thermostat for Sugar within Glucose Regulation for GCSE Biology. Topic 6: Glucose Regulation It is section 1 of 15 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

The Story: The Thermostat for Sugar

Your blood glucose level is like a heating system. If it gets too high (after eating), the "thermostat" (pancreas) turns down the heat — it releases insulin to lower glucose. If it drops too low (not eaten for a while), the thermostat turns up — releasing glucagon to raise glucose. This is classic negative feedback.

Practice questions for Glucose Regulation

Which organ monitors blood glucose concentration and secretes insulin and glucagon?

  • A. Pancreas
  • B. Liver
  • C. Kidney
  • D. Adrenal gland
1 markfoundation

Explain how blood glucose concentration is raised when it falls below the normal level.

3 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

What is glycogen and where is it stored?
Glycogen is the storage form of glucose. It is stored in the liver and in muscle cells. The liver can convert glycogen back to glucose when blood glucose falls too low.
What does insulin do when blood glucose is too high?
Insulin is released by the pancreas. It causes body cells to take up glucose from the blood, and causes the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage. Blood glucose falls.

Next

When Blood Glucose is TOO HIGH (after eating)

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