Explain insulin and liver storage after glucose rises
Follow the high-glucose branch without assigning hormone secretion to the liver.
Exam scope and assessment notes
Extended only (Supplement) · Biology 0970, 2026–2028. Use the stated specimen features and evidence. Diagrams are schematic. Written practice is self-checked; human subject-teacher review, supervised practical competence and cumulative assessment remain pending. Cambridge states that IGCSE 0970 has the same subject content as IGCSE 0610, with 9–1 grading. This StudyForA pathway maps the 2026–2028 syllabus only. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. Cambridge has published a separate syllabus for 2029. StudyForA has not reconciled that version yet; this page supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.
Before you begin
- Recall hormone production and blood transport, respiration, liver storage and electrical impulses along neurones.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which organ secretes insulin in this account?
What you will learn
- Trace the pancreatic insulin signal
- Connect liver storage with lower blood concentration
Explain insulin and liver storage after glucose rises
| Feature | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Signal source | Pancreas |
| Hormone | Insulin |
| Liver reaction | Glucose → glycogen storage |
| Feedback | Return reduces stimulus for increased insulin secretion |
Trace the pancreatic insulin signal
When blood glucose concentration rises above its regulated level, the pancreas secretes more insulin. Insulin is carried in blood to responsive tissues, including the liver. The liver does not make the insulin in this control account. Separate the source of the chemical signal from the organ whose metabolic activity changes in response.
In the liver, insulin promotes conversion of glucose to glycogen for storage. Glucose moves from the circulating supply into this storage pathway, contributing to a decrease in blood glucose concentration. Glycogen is a large storage carbohydrate, not another hormone. Write glucose → glycogen for this high-glucose branch; reversing that arrow would describe release rather than storage.
Connect liver storage with lower blood concentration
Insulin also promotes glucose uptake and use in responsive body cells. This account does not mean every cell requires insulin for all glucose entry. For the required Cambridge explanation, retain the liver storage link and the downward concentration effect. A general statement that cells receive a message is insufficient unless it explains what happens to the glucose.
As concentration moves back towards the regulated level, the stimulus for increased insulin secretion becomes smaller. This is the connection to negative feedback. The response opposes the rise rather than continuing to remove glucose without limit. A supplied storage diagram describes a regulated pathway, not a recommendation about meals or a personal insulin dose.
Pause and explain
Which liver change follows the high-glucose insulin response?
Worked example
Explain the liver contribution after blood glucose rises.
Show the worked solution
- Pancreas secretes insulin into blood.
- Liver converts glucose to glycogen, contributing to lower blood glucose concentration.
Answer Pancreatic insulin promotes glucose → glycogen storage in the liver, decreasing blood glucose concentration.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Trace the high-glucose branch through pancreas, insulin and liver.
Give me a hint
Name source, signal, storage change and concentration effect.
Compare my reasoning
- Pancreas secretes insulin carried in blood.
- Liver converts glucose to glycogen for storage.
High blood glucose → pancreatic insulin → liver glucose → glycogen storage → decreased blood glucose concentration.
Look for these in your work
- Keep source and target distinct
- Include storage and concentration direction
Correct: liver secretes insulin and breaks down glycogen to lower blood glucose.
Give me a hint
Both the source and metabolic arrow need correction.
Compare my reasoning
- Insulin is secreted by the pancreas.
- Glucose is converted to glycogen in the liver.
Pancreas secretes insulin; liver converts glucose to glycogen for storage, contributing to a decrease in blood glucose concentration.
Look for these in your work
- Correct the hormone source
- Correct the storage arrow
Why should increased insulin secretion diminish as the concentration returns towards its regulated level?
Give me a hint
Relate the response to its original stimulus.
Compare my reasoning
- The original high-glucose departure becomes smaller.
- The corrective response is reduced rather than driving an unlimited decrease.
The stimulus for increased insulin secretion falls as the departure is corrected, reducing the response and helping avoid an unlimited decrease.
Look for these in your work
- Link stimulus and response
- Explain negative feedback
Common mistakes
- Calling the liver the insulin-producing gland.
- Reversing glucose → glycogen during storage.
What can you explain now?
Which liver change follows the high-glucose insulin response?
Compare with the explanation
Glucose → glycogen storage
This removes glucose from the circulating supply.
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Make it stick
Trace the high-glucose control branch with the correct organ roles and storage direction.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.