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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an effect of insulin on target cells?
A
Increased glucose uptake by cells
B
Inhibition of protein synthesis
C
Promotion of gluconeogenesis
D
Stimulation of glycogen breakdown
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of insulin: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose levels. Its primary function is to lower blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake and storage in cells.
Analyze the first option: 'Increased glucose uptake by cells.' Insulin facilitates the movement of glucose into cells by increasing the number of glucose transporters (GLUT4) on the cell membrane, especially in muscle and fat cells. This is a key effect of insulin.
Evaluate the second option: 'Inhibition of protein synthesis.' Insulin actually promotes protein synthesis by stimulating the uptake of amino acids into cells and enhancing anabolic processes. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Evaluate the third option: 'Promotion of gluconeogenesis.' Gluconeogenesis is the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, which typically occurs in the liver. Insulin inhibits gluconeogenesis because its role is to reduce blood glucose levels, not increase them. Thus, this option is incorrect.
Evaluate the fourth option: 'Stimulation of glycogen breakdown.' Insulin promotes glycogen synthesis (glycogenesis) rather than glycogen breakdown (glycogenolysis). It encourages the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscle cells. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.