MCAT Biology Question 68: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 68
8. Which of the following is true regarding pancreatic somatostatin?
- A. Its secretion is increased by low blood glucose.
- B. It is always inhibitory.
- C. It is regulated by cortisol levels.
- D. It stimulates insulin and glucagon secretion.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Pancreatic somatostatin secretion is increased by high blood glucose or amino acid levels, leading to both decreased insulin and glucagon secretion, eliminating choices (A) and (D). Somatostatin is thus always an inhibitory hormone, confirming choice (B). The stimuli for somatostatin release include high blood glucose or amino acids, as mentioned above, as well as certain gastrointestinal hormones, as is discussed in Chapter 9 of MCAT Biology Review—but not cortisol, eliminating choice (C).