(CIE A2 biology) Homeostasis - glucose regulation

Glucose

A hexose monosaccharide that serves as a monomer for multiple disaccharides and polysaccharides.

Glycogen

A branched-chain polymer of glucose monomers used for energy storage in human cells.

Glucagon

An anti-hypoglycemic hormone released when blood glucose levels fall below the healthy range.

Glycolysis

The enzyme-initiated breakdown of glucose into different molecules as the first stage of respiration.

Gluconeogenesis

The liver-based formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources like amino acids.

Glycogenesis

The synthesis of glycogen by adding glucose monomers to glycogen chains for energy storage.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into its individual glucose monomers.

Healthy blood glucose level guide

Blood glucose levels measured in mg/dL before breakfast, 2 hours after a meal, and at bedtime for individuals with and without diabetes.

Hypoglycemia

A condition characterized by sweating, fatigue, and dizziness due to insufficient glucose for ATP production in cells.

Hyperglycemia

A condition marked by increased appetite, excessive thirst, and vision blurring due to excess glucose in bodily cells.

Pancreas

An organ that secretes enzymes like amylase and lipase and contains islets of Langerhans for hormone production.

Alpha-cells

Cells in the pancreas that manufacture and secrete glucagon.

Beta-cells

Cells in the pancreas that manufacture and secrete insulin.

Pancreatic negative feedback method

The process by which pancreatic alpha- and beta-cells respond to changes in blood glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone that binds to target cells’ insulin-receptor glycoproteins to increase glucose absorption.

GLUT4, GLUT1, GLUT2

Transporter proteins that facilitate glucose absorption in muscle, brain, and liver cells, respectively.

Hepatocytes

Liver cells affected by insulin to increase glucose usage in respiration and stimulate glycogenesis.

Glucokinase

An enzyme activated by insulin that phosphorylates glucose to prevent its exit from cells.

Long-term storage

The process by which excess glucose not converted into glycogen is stored as fats.