Question

Which of the following represents the action of insulin?

• A. Decreases blood glucose levels by forming glycogen
• B. Increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glucagon production
• C. Increases blood glucose levels by hydrolysis of glycogen
• D. Increases blood glucose levels by promoting cellular uptake of glucose

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Decreases blood glucose levels by forming glycogen

The correct option is A.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin.
2. Insulin helps control blood glucose levels by signaling the liver and muscle and fat cells to take in glucose from the blood.
3. Insulin therefore helps cells to take in glucose to be used for energy.
4. If the body has sufficient energy, insulin signals the liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen.
5. As a result, insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells for energy utilization.

Explanation for the incorrect option:

Option B:

1. When blood sugar levels are too low, the pancreas releases glucagon.
2. Glucagon instructs the liver to release stored glucose, which causes blood sugar to rise.

Option C:

1. The process by which glycogen, the primary carbohydrate stored in the liver and muscle cells of animals, is broken down into glucose to provide immediate energy and to maintain blood glucose levels during fasting is termed as glycogenolysis.
2. Glycogenolysis occurs primarily in the liver and is stimulated by the hormones glucagon and epinephrine (adrenaline).

Option D:

1. Cellular uptake of glucose results in decrease in blood sugar levels.
2. Insulin allows the cells to absorb glucose from the blood, while glucagon triggers a release of stored glucose from the liver.

Final answer: The action of insulin is to decrease blood glucose levels by forming glycogen.