Question

Glucagon:

A) Promotes glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes
B) Causes breakdown of liver glycogen to glucose
C) Decreases gluconeogenesis in the liver
D) Acts on skeletal muscle to stimulate protein catabolism
E) Is important in the fed state

Answer 1

Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hormone glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low. It has several important functions related to maintaining blood glucose levels:

• Glucagon promotes glycogenolysis, which is the breakdown of glycogen in the liver into glucose that enters the bloodstream.
• It also enhances gluconeogenesis, which refers to the creation of glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates such as amino acids and glycerol. This happens primarily in the liver.
• Glucagon is known for stimulating lipolysis, where triglycerides are broken down into free fatty acids and glycerol which can be used for gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Looking at the original question, the correct answer describing the action of glucagon would be: B) Causes breakdown of liver glycogen to glucose.