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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the main effects of insulin?
A
It increases blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis.
B
It stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
C
It inhibits protein synthesis and promotes lipolysis.
D
It promotes glucose uptake by cells and stimulates glycogen synthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of insulin: Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels. Its primary function is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells and stimulating anabolic processes.
Analyze the incorrect options: The first option states that insulin increases blood glucose levels by stimulating gluconeogenesis. This is incorrect because gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors, which is typically stimulated by glucagon, not insulin.
Evaluate the second incorrect option: The second option claims that insulin stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver. This process, known as glycogenolysis, is also stimulated by glucagon and inhibited by insulin, making this option incorrect.
Review the third incorrect option: The third option suggests that insulin inhibits protein synthesis and promotes lipolysis. In reality, insulin promotes protein synthesis and inhibits lipolysis (fat breakdown), as it is an anabolic hormone.
Confirm the correct answer: The correct answer is that insulin promotes glucose uptake by cells (especially muscle and adipose tissue) and stimulates glycogen synthesis in the liver and muscle. This aligns with insulin's role in lowering blood glucose levels and supporting energy storage.