Question

Epinephrine on its own elevates blood glucose by 5mg/100mL and glucagon alone by 8mg/100mL. If both hormones are present, blood glucose increases by 17mg/100mL. This is an example of a(n) ________ hormone interaction.

Answer 1

The combined effect of epinephrine and glucagon on blood glucose levels is an example of a synergistic hormone interaction, leading to a more significant increase than when each hormone acts alone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The interaction between epinephrine and glucagon in raising blood glucose levels beyond their individual effects is an example of a synergistic hormone interaction. Both epinephrine and glucagon work to increase blood glucose levels through different mechanisms. Epinephrine stimulates glycogenolysis in muscle and affects the adrenal pathway, while glucagon increases glucose by promoting both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. When combined, their effects are amplified, resulting in a greater increase in blood glucose than would be observed with either hormone alone.