Control of blood glucose concentration by pancreas and insulin
Regulating blood glucose
glucoseA simple sugar used by cells for respiration. is needed by cells for respirationThe chemical change that takes place inside living cells, which uses glucose and oxygen to release the energy that organisms need to live. Carbon dioxide is a by-product of respiration.. It is important that the concentration of glucose in the blood is maintained at a constant level and controlled carefully. insulinA hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood and can be produced by genetically modified bacteria. is a hormone - produced by a gland called the pancreasLarge gland located in the abdomen near the stomach which produces digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin. - that regulates glucose concentrations in the blood.
If the blood glucose concentration is too high, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which causes glucose to move from the blood into the cells. Insulin targets liver and muscle cells, causing them to take up excess glucose and convert it to glycogenThe storage form of glucose in animal cells. for storage. The glucose can then be used at a later date when the body needs it.
Action of insulin
Low glucose
High glucose
Effect on pancreas
Insulin not secreted into the blood
Insulin secreted into the blood
Effect on liver
Does not convert glucose into glycogen
Converts glucose into glycogen
Effect on pancreas
Low glucose
Insulin not secreted into the blood
High glucose
Insulin secreted into the blood
Effect on liver
Low glucose
Does not convert glucose into glycogen
High glucose
Converts glucose into glycogen
Learn more about blood glucose with Dr Alex Lathbridge.