In a laboratory experiment, hepatocytes (liver cells) were exposed to a very low concentration of glucagon, resulting in only a small number of glucagon molecules binding to their receptors. Despite this, a large amount of glycogen was rapidly broken down, releasing glucose into the bloodstream. Explain how the binding of a small number of glucagon molecules to receptors on hepatocytes leads to a large-scale, rapid breakdown of glycogen. Refer to the sequence of events in the cell signalling cascade, including the roles of G-protein, adenylyl cyclase, cyclic AMP (cAMP), and protein kinase A.
CAIE A Level Biology 9700 · Homeostasis
Homeostasis: explain question
Explain5 marksStandard
How this question is marked
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
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