Adnan Undre
Homeostatic Control of Blood Glucose Levels
Glucose is an essential substance in the body as it the primary source of energy for all biological functions and is indeed the only form of energy which can be used by the brain and central nervous system. The ideal level of blood glucose is 80 - 90mg of glucose per 100mls of blood. However this level is not static - it oscillates due to changes in the body which are brought about by actions such as eating a meal, exercising, or not eating for long periods. If blood glucose levels drop or rise dramatically there may be serious consequences such as hypo- or hyperglycaemia which can both cause death. Thus it is necessary for blood glucose levels to be regulated and this is achieved through homeostasis. To work effectively homeostasis requires an effective receptor to detect variations from the norm and a negative feedback system where antagonistic processes work to redress any variations as they occur. By examining the mechanisms of the homeostatic control of blood glucose levels it should be possible to explore the consequences of a breakdown of this part of the endocrine system.
Essentially, blood glucose levels are controlled by the pancreas. It is in this organ that areas of cells called the Islets of Langerhans exist, which consist of alpha cells and beta cells. These cells monitor blood glucose and secrete the hormones glucagon and insulin respectively. Glucagon and insulin regulate blood glucose levels through their antagonistic and opposite effects in a system of negative feedback.
Homeostatic Control of Blood Glucose Levels
Glucose is an essential substance in the body as it the primary source of energy for all biological functions and is indeed the only form of energy which can be used by the brain and central nervous system. The ideal level of blood glucose is 80 - 90mg of glucose per 100mls of blood. However this level is not static - it oscillates due to changes in the body which are brought about by actions such as eating a meal, exercising, or not eating for long periods. If blood glucose levels drop or rise dramatically there may be serious consequences such as hypo- or hyperglycaemia which can both cause death. Thus it is necessary for blood glucose levels to be regulated and this is achieved through homeostasis. To work effectively homeostasis requires an effective receptor to detect variations from the norm and a negative feedback system where antagonistic processes work to redress any variations as they occur. By examining the mechanisms of the homeostatic control of blood glucose levels it should be possible to explore the consequences of a breakdown of this part of the endocrine system.
Essentially, blood glucose levels are controlled by the pancreas. It is in this organ that areas of cells called the Islets of Langerhans exist, which consist of alpha cells and beta cells. These cells monitor blood glucose and secrete the hormones glucagon and insulin respectively. Glucagon and insulin regulate blood glucose levels through their antagonistic and opposite effects in a system of negative feedback.
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**** A good overview of blood glucose regulation and diabetes using A level biological terminology correctly throughout. The role of negative feedback has been neglected however.