Question

You are studying an individual with very low levels of insulin in her blood. Further analysis indicates that cells of her pancreas are producing normal levels of this protein, but it is accumulating in the cytoplasm rather than being secreted from the cells. Which hypothesis makes the most sense to explain this observation?

Answer 1

Insulin accumulating in the cytoplasm rather than being secreted from the cells is likely due to target cell resistance to the effects of insulin, causing diabetes mellitus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely hypothesis to explain the observation of insulin accumulating in the cytoplasm rather than being secreted from the cells is that the target cells are resistant to the effects of insulin. This can cause a condition called diabetes mellitus, characterized by high blood glucose levels. Insulin is normally produced by the beta cells of the pancreas and is responsible for removing glucose from the blood. However, in this case, the insulin is not being properly utilized by the target cells, leading to its accumulation in the cytoplasm.