Edexcel GCSE Biology

Insulin & diabetes

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Insulin & diabetes. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 5 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 5)

  1. Question 1

    Which organ detects an increase in blood glucose concentration and releases insulin?

    • A) The liver cells
    • B) The pancreas gland
    • C) The stomach lining
    • D) The small intestine
    Show answer

    Answer: The pancreas gland

    The pancreas contains specialised clusters of cells that monitor blood glucose. When levels rise, it secretes insulin into the bloodstream to trigger the uptake of glucose by cells.

  2. Question 2

    How does insulin facilitate the reduction of blood glucose levels in the body?

    • A) It breaks down glucose
    • B) It moves glucose to cells
    • C) It filters out the sugar
    • D) It stops sugar digestion
    Show answer

    Answer: It moves glucose to cells

    Insulin binds to receptors on cell membranes, causing glucose transport proteins to move to the surface. This allows glucose to diffuse out of the blood and into the cells, lowering blood sugar concentration.

  3. Question 3

    What is the primary physiological difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

    • A) Type 1 is insulin deficit
    • B) Type 2 is viral origin
    • C) Type 1 is diet induced
    • D) Type 2 is genetic only
    Show answer

    Answer: Type 1 is insulin deficit

    In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced, often linked to lifestyle factors.

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