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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the primary role of insulin in glucose metabolism?
A
It promotes the uptake of glucose into cells, lowering blood glucose levels.
B
It increases gluconeogenesis in the liver.
C
It stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose into the bloodstream.
D
It inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids from glucose.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of insulin in glucose metabolism: Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels. Its primary function is to regulate blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake into cells and facilitating its storage or utilization.
Analyze the first option: 'It promotes the uptake of glucose into cells, lowering blood glucose levels.' This aligns with the primary role of insulin, as it facilitates glucose transport into cells (e.g., muscle and adipose tissue) via GLUT4 transporters, effectively reducing blood glucose levels.
Evaluate the second option: 'It increases gluconeogenesis in the liver.' Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, which typically occurs during fasting or low insulin levels. Insulin actually inhibits gluconeogenesis, so this option is incorrect.
Evaluate the third option: 'It stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose into the bloodstream.' This process, known as glycogenolysis, is stimulated by glucagon, not insulin. Insulin, in contrast, promotes glycogen synthesis (glycogenesis) to store glucose in the liver and muscle cells.
Evaluate the fourth option: 'It inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids from glucose.' Insulin promotes the conversion of excess glucose into fatty acids for storage as triglycerides in adipose tissue. Therefore, this statement is incorrect as it contradicts insulin's role in lipid metabolism.