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Humans regulate the glucose concentration of their blood - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 3
Humans regulate the glucose concentration of their blood. A scientist recorded the blood glucose concentration of an individual over a seven-hour period. The resul... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Humans regulate the glucose concentration of their blood - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the trend in blood glucose concentration for this seven-hour period.
Answer
The blood glucose concentration shows an initial increase from 76 mg per 100 cm³ at 06:00 to a peak of 124 mg per 100 cm³ at 08:00. Following this peak, there is a decline in concentration from 08:00 to 12:00, dropping to 79 mg per 100 cm³. Finally, the concentration increases again to 130 mg per 100 cm³ at 13:00.
Step 2
Suggest reasons for the changes in blood glucose concentration.
Answer
The increase in blood glucose concentration from 06:00 to 08:00 could be due to food intake, as this time typically corresponds with breakfast. The subsequent decrease from 08:00 to 12:00 may be attributed to glucose being used up by the body for energy and stored insulin being released, particularly during activity or normal metabolism. The rise to 130 mg per 100 cm³ at 13:00 may indicate another meal was consumed, causing an increase in glucose after digestion.