2.1.5 Study Guide

Insulin

A protein hormone secreted by the pancreas; essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of glucose levels in the blood.

Metabolism

The chemical reaction processes of breaking down molecules for energy and of using simple building blocks to build up more complex molecules needed for growth and repair.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal physiological conditions (like body temperature or the pH of blood), which enables the optimal functioning of an organism.

Hyperglycemia

An excess of sugar in the blood.

Feedback Loop

How the body maintains homeostasis by monitoring changes in the internal and external environment and feeding this information back to the body so it can make necessary changes. (e.g., control of body temperature, heart rate, and the concentration of sugar in the blood).

Pancreas

Produces enzymes for digestion and hormones like insulin to regulate blood sugar.

Glucose

A monosaccharide, or simple sugar, with the chemical formula C6H12O6; made primarily by plants.

Hormone

A signaling molecule produced by glands. A hormone induces a specific effect on the activity of cells.

Insulin Resistance

A resistance to the hormone insulin, resulting in increasing blood sugar.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by pancreatic endocrine cells that raises blood glucose levels; an antagonistic hormone to insulin.