Absorption and glucose regulation

Question 1

Please describe how the small intestine is adapted to its function of nutrient absorption

Answer 1

The small intestine has a large surface area due to finger-like villi, which increase absorption efficiency. The walls of the intestine are thin, allowing for easy transfer of nutrients into the blood capillaries

Question 2

Define the term ‘homeostasis’

Answer 2

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions despite external changes

Question 3

Explain the process of glucose regulation and its link to homeostasis

Answer 3

Glucose regulation involves the secretion of insulin and glucagon by the pancreas to maintain blood sugar levels. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular uptake, while glucagon raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown.

Question 4

Describe the consequences of diabetes

Answer 4

Diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels which may cause symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and long-term complication like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure

Question 5

How do finger-like villi in the small intestine aid in nutrient absorption?

Answer 5

Finger-like villi increase the surface area of the small intestine, allowing for maximum absorption of digested nutrients from the blood capillaries

Question 6

Explain the role of the endocrine system in the body

Answer 6

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that coordinate various functions in the body, including growth, metabolism, and mood regulation

Question 7

Suggest three examples of homeostasis in an animal’s body

Answer 7

Examples of homeostasis include temperature regulation (thermoregulation), blood glucose level regulation, and pH balance in the blood

Question 8

Briefly explain how temperature regulation is maintained in the body

Answer 8

Temperature regulation is maintained through mechanisms such as sweating to cool down and shivering to generate heat, controlled by the hypothalamus in response to changes in body temperature

Question 9

What is the significance of Frederick G. Banting and John Macleod’s discovery in 1923?

Answer 9

Frederick G. Banting and John Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize for their discovery of insulin, which is crucial for regulating blood glucose levels and has significant implications for treating diabetes

Question 10

Define glucose, glucagon, and glycogen

Answer 10

Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source for the body; glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown; glycogen is a stored form of glucose found in the liver and muscles

Question 11

Describe the role of hormones in the body

Answer 11

Hormones are chemical messengers that are carried within the bloodstream to target organs, where they bind to receptor molecules and influence the functions of those organs

Question 12

How do hormones affect target organs?

Answer 12

Once hormones bind to receptor molecules on their target organs, they can cause the functions of that organ to speed up, slow down, or alter in some way

Question 13

Define homeostasis in relation to the nervous system and hormones

Answer 13

Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment, and it is regulated by the interaction between the nervous system and hormones

Question 14

Explain the importance of maintaining glucose levels in the blood

Answer 14

Maintaining a constant level of glucose in the blood is crucial, as too much or too little can lead to serious health issues, including coma and death

Question 15

What is the endocrine function of the pancreas?

Answer 15

The endocrine function of the pancreas involves the secretion of hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions, including glucose levels

Question 16

Identify the two types of cells found in the Islets of Langerhans

Answer 16

The Islets of Langerhans contain alpha cells and beta cells

Question 17

What hormone is produced by alpha cells?

Answer 17

Alpha cells produce glucagon

Question 18

What hormone is produced by beta cells?

Answer 18

Beta cells produce insulin

Question 19

How does insulin affect glucose levels in the body?

Answer 19

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake by cells and encourages the storage of glucose and glycogen

Question 20

What is the function of glucagon in glucose regulation?

Answer 20

Glucagon causes liver cells to convert glycogen into glucose and release it into the blood, raising blood glucose levels

Question 21

Describe the process of glucoregulation in the body

Answer 21

Glucoregulation involves the balance of insulin and glucagon to maintain blood glucose levels within a normal range

Question 22

What happens to blood glucose levels when insulin is released?

Answer 22

When insulin is released, blood glucose levels fall to a normal range as glucose is taken up by cells

Question 23

What happens to blood glucose levels when glucagon is released?

Answer 23

When glucagon is releases, blood glucose levels rise to a normal range as glucose is released from the liver

Question 24

Describe gluconeogenesis

Answer 24

Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic process by
which organisms synthesize glucose from
non-carbohydrate precursors, such as amino
acids and glycerol, primarily occurring in the
liver.

Question 25

Define glycogenesis

Answer 25

Glycogenesis is the biochemical process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscle tissues, allowing for energy reserves.

Question 27

Explain glycolysis

Answer 27

Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of ATP and NADH, occurring in the cytoplasm of cells.

Question 28

How does cellular absorption relate to glucose levels?

Answer 28

Cellular absorption refers to the process by which cells take in glucose from the bloodstream, which is crucial for maintaining energy levels and metabolic functions.

Question 29

Discuss the characteristics of Type I diabetes.

Answer 29

Type I diabetes is often diagnosed early in life and is characterized by the pancreas's inability to produce insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels

Question 30

What are the main features of Type II diabetes?

Answer 30

Type II diabetes is commonly found in older or obese animals and is characterized by insufficient insulin production and/or the body's cells failing to recognize and absorb glucose

Question 31

How does the pancreas respond to rising blood glucose levels after a meal?

Answer 31

When blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas is stimulated to secrete insulin from the beta cells, which helps lower blood glucose levels by promoting cellular absorption.

Question 32

What happens in the pancreas when blood glucose levels fall?

Answer 32

When blood glucose levels fall, the pancreas is stimulated to secrete glucagon from the bloodstream from glycogen stores

Question 33

Explain the role of insulin in blood glucose regulation

Answer 33

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels and promoting energy storage

Question 34

Describe the process of maintaining blood sugar levels in animals

Answer 34

Blood sugar levels are maintained through a balance of insulin and glucagon secretion by the pancreas, responding to changes in blood glucose levels after meals or during fasting