Homeostatic control of blood sugar

Question 1

Glucose

Answer 1

A simple sugar used in cellular respiration to produce energy (ATP)

Question 2

Cellular respiration

Answer 2

glucose + oxygen -> co2 + h20 + energy

Question 3

Blood sugar

Answer 3

Is in the form of glucose

Question 4

Changes in glucose levels

Answer 4

• Nervous tissue (brain and retina) are sensitive to changes in blood glucose levels
• Excess or defiency of glucose for more than a few hours can result in loss of consciousness and brain damage
• After a meal, when blood sugar level is high, excess glucose can be converted to glycogen (form of glucose that does not harm tissues) and stored in the liver and skeletal muscle cells (<500 g can be stored)

Question 5

There are three main organs responsive for regulating blood sugar level:

Answer 5

1. Liver (skeletal muscles lesser degree)
2. Pancreas
3. Adrenal glands

Question 6

genesis

Answer 6

To make

Question 7

Lysis

Answer 7

To break down

Question 8

Neo

Answer 8

New

Question 9

Glyco

Answer 9

Relating to glycogen

Question 10

Gluco

Answer 10

Relating to glucose

Question 11

The Liver

Answer 11

There are 4 important process occurring in the liver to help regulate blood sugar levels

Question 12

Glycogenesis

Answer 12

The process whereby glucose molecules are chemically combined in long chains to form glycogen molecules

Question 13

Insulin

Answer 13

A hormone produced by pancreas, stimulates this process to reduce blood sugar levels.

Question 14

Lipogenesis

Answer 14

The production of lipids (fats)

Question 15

Glycogenolysis

Answer 15

The process of converting glycogen back to glucose

Question 16

Glucagon

Answer 16

A hormone produced by the pancreas, stimulates this process to increase blood sugar levels

Question 17

Gluconeogenesis

Answer 17

The process of producing glucose molecules from lipids and amino acids

Question 18

The pancreas

Answer 18

Contains hormone secreting cells called the islets of Langerhans.

Question 19

Lipolysis

Answer 19

The breakdown of lipids (fats) in the body

Question 20

Translocation

Answer 20

Transport of glucose from blood into cells (increased cellular uptake)

Question 21

Glycogenesis in the liver

Answer 21

The process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and skeletal muscles.

Question 22

Lipogenesis in the liver

Answer 22

Conversion of excess glucose into fat for long term storage. This reduces blood sugar levels.

Question 23

Glycogenolysis in the liver

Answer 23

The process of converting glycogen into glucose for use by the cells.

Question 24

Gluconeogenesis in the liver

Answer 24

Creation of glucose from fats and amino acids. Glucagon also stimulates this process to increase blood sugar levels.

Question 25

Glucagon in the pancreas

Answer 25

Glycogenolysis - breakdown of glycogen into glucose (in liver and skeletal muscles) Gluconeogenesis - fats and amino acids converted into glucose Lipolysis – can occur where lipids are broken down and used directly by cells as the glucose is saved for the brain

Question 26

Insulin in the pancreas

Answer 26

Translocation – transport of glucose from blood into cells (increased cellular uptake) Glycogenesis - glucose into glycogen and stored in liver Lipogenesis - stimulates the conversion of glucose into fat. Promotes protein synthesis (more energy needed, more glucose used, so blood sugar drops)

Question 27

Adrenal medulla

Answer 27

During exercise the adrenal medulla is stimulated to produce adrenaline and noradrenaline

Question 28

What does adrenaline and noradrenaline do

Answer 28

Behaves in a similar way to glucagon acting to increase blood glucose levels quickly when required (glycogenesis)

Question 29

Adrenal cortex

Answer 29

Stimulates release of cortisol (glucocorticoids) which stimulates glycogenesis. It also simulates protein breakdown in muscle and the conversion of these amino acids into glucose in the liver.

Question 30

The hypothalamus

Answer 30

When blood glucose levels are high, the hypothalamus acts through the cerebral cortex to decrease appetite. When blood glucose levels are low the hypothalamus acts through the cerebral cortex to increase appetite.