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Multiple Choice
Insulin ______ blood K$^+$ levels by stimulating ______ in cells.
A
increases; release of K$^+$
B
increases; uptake of K$^+$
C
decreases; release of K$^+$
D
decreases; uptake of K$^+$
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of insulin in the body. Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose metabolism and has effects on ion transport, including potassium (K$^+$).
Step 2: Recall that insulin stimulates the activity of Na$^+$/K$^+$ ATPase pumps in cell membranes. These pumps actively transport K$^+$ ions into cells while moving Na$^+$ ions out of cells.
Step 3: Consider the effect of increased K$^+$ uptake into cells. When insulin stimulates the Na$^+$/K$^+$ ATPase, more K$^+$ is moved from the extracellular space into the intracellular space, thereby decreasing blood K$^+$ levels.
Step 4: Analyze the options provided in the question. The correct answer must reflect the decrease in blood K$^+$ levels and the mechanism of uptake of K$^+$ into cells.
Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer is 'decreases; uptake of K$^+$' because insulin lowers blood K$^+$ levels by stimulating the uptake of K$^+$ into cells via Na$^+$/K$^+$ ATPase activity.