Biology Regents Practice Exam

In response to increased blood glucose levels, what does the human body typically do?

1. Store the glucose in cell nuclei

2. Release a hormone that lowers blood glucose

3. Produce a hormone that destroys glucose

4. Use excess glucose to make proteins

The correct answer is: Release a hormone that lowers blood glucose

When blood glucose levels rise, the human body typically responds by releasing insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin plays a crucial role in lowering blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, particularly muscle and fat cells, where it can be used for energy or stored as glycogen. This mechanism helps to maintain homeostasis, ensuring that blood glucose levels remain within a normal range. Insulin not only promotes the uptake of glucose but also inhibits gluconeogenesis, the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, further contributing to the reduction of glucose levels in the bloodstream. This regulation is vital for preventing hyperglycemia, which can lead to various health issues, including diabetes. The other options do not accurately depict the primary response to increased blood glucose levels. For instance, glucose is not stored in cell nuclei, nor does the body produce a hormone to destroy glucose. While proteins can be synthesized from amino acids in certain metabolic pathways, the direct use of excess glucose for this purpose is not the primary response to elevated blood sugar levels.