Question

Glucagon and insulin are antagonistic to each other. Justify the statement

Answer 1

Beta cells secrete insulin. When the concentration of blood glucose rises (after eating, for example), beta cells secrete insulin into the blood. Insulin stimulates the liver and most other body cells to absorb glucose. Liver and muscle cells convert the glucose to glycogen (for short‐term storage), and adipose cells convert the glucose to fat. In response, glucose concentration decreases in the blood, and insulin secretion discontinues (through negative feedback from declining levels of glucose).Alpha cells secrete glucagon. When the concentration of blood glucose drops (during exercise, for example), alpha cells secrete glucagon into the blood. Glucagon stimulates the liver to release glucose. The glucose in the liver originates from the breakdown of glycogen and the conversion of amino acids and fatty acids into glucose. When blood glucose levels return to normal, glucagon secretion discontinues (negative feedback).