Which of the following is true of the function of glucagon?
A. Glucagon regulates insulin secretion.
B. Glucagon increases glycogen breakdown into glucose.
C. Glucagon inhibits glycogen breakdown into gluclose.
D. Glucagon regulates somatostatin secretion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucagon#Function
so the answer would be B?
The correct answer is B. Glucagon increases glycogen breakdown into glucose.
Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas. Its main function is to increase blood glucose levels when they are low. Glucagon accomplishes this by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen, a stored form of glucose, into glucose. This glucose can then be released into the bloodstream to be utilized by the body's cells for energy.
Option A is incorrect because glucagon and insulin have opposing effects on blood glucose levels. While glucagon raises blood glucose levels, insulin decreases them. Glucagon does not regulate insulin secretion.
Option C is incorrect because glucagon actually promotes glycogen breakdown, rather than inhibiting it.
Option D is also incorrect because glucagon does not regulate somatostatin secretion. Somatostatin is another hormone produced by the pancreas, but its secretion is regulated by other factors and not by glucagon.
To determine which of the options is true regarding the function of glucagon, we need to understand what glucagon is and how it functions.
Glucagon is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, especially when the levels drop too low (hypoglycemia). When blood glucose levels decrease, the pancreas releases glucagon, which stimulates the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose into the bloodstream.
Now let's evaluate each option:
A. Glucagon regulates insulin secretion: This statement is not correct. Insulin is another hormone produced by the pancreas, and its primary function is to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the uptake of glucose by cells. Glucagon and insulin have opposite effects on blood sugar levels, so glucagon does not regulate insulin secretion.
B. Glucagon increases glycogen breakdown into glucose: This statement is correct. When blood glucose levels are too low, glucagon stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose, which can then be released into the bloodstream to raise blood sugar levels.
C. Glucagon inhibits glycogen breakdown into glucose: This statement is not correct. Glucagon actually promotes glycogen breakdown and release of glucose into the bloodstream.
D. Glucagon regulates somatostatin secretion: This statement is not correct. Glucagon does not regulate somatostatin secretion. Somatostatin is another hormone produced by the pancreas, but its function is different from glucagon.
Therefore, the correct option is B. Glucagon increases glycogen breakdown into glucose.