Question

The hormone glucagon

• A. Is produced in the beta cells of pancreas
• B. Converts glucose into glycogen
• C. Has the opposite effect as that of insulin
• D. Is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The pancreas is a large organ present in the abdomen and serves as both endocrine and exocrine organ. The endocrine parts of the pancreas are islets of Langerhans that have two primary cell types namely, alpha and beta cells. Alpha cells of islets produce and secrete glucagon hormone while beta cells produce insulin. Insulin serves to lower the blood glucose level by stimulating the uptake of glucose by cells, specifically muscle cells, liver cells and adipose tissues cells. Glucagon hormone from pancreas stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose and use of fat and protein as glucose source thereby increasing the blood glucose level. Both hormones regulate the blood sugar level by their antagonistic effects. Diabetes mellitus is caused by undersecretion of insulin; not that of glucagon. Thus, the correct answer is A.