Homeostasis (2)

Question 1

Define the role of glycogen in the body.

Answer 1

Glycogen is used for storage in liver and muscle cells, when glucose levels are low glycogen is broken down to supply extra glucose (“glycogenolysis”)

Question 2

Describe glycogenesis, glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Answer 2

glycogenesis -> it is when glucose molecules are chemically joined together to form long chains of glycogen to be stored (glucose -> glycogen)

Glycogenolysis -> The breakdown of glycogen stored in liver and muscle cells into glucose molecules when blood glucose levels are low (glycogen -> glucose)

Gluconeogenesis - > production of new glucose molecules from fats (lipids) and amino acids in the liver (fats lipids/A.A. -> glucose)

Question 3

Describe the role of the liver in the regulation of blood sugar.

Answer 3

Performs both glycogenesis and glycogenolysis. Hepatic portal vein brings nutrient rich blood directly from the spleen, stomach, S/L intestines and pancreas, glucose is supplied to liver cells for energy, sends glucose to muscles for further storage or glucose remains in blood for other body cells.

Question 4

Describe the role of the pancreas in the regulation of blood sugar.

Answer 4

Secretes insulin when blood glucose is high for glycogenesis (ISLETS OF LANGERHAN BETA CELLS) and glucagon when blood glucose is low for glycogenolysis (ISLETS OF LANGERHAN ALPHA CELLS)).

Question 5

Define hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.

Answer 5

hyperglycaemia -> abnormally high levels of glucose in blood
hypoglycaemia -> abnormally low levels of glucose in blood.