MCAT Biology Question 69: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 69

9. Destruction of all β-cells in the pancreas would cause:

  • A. glucagon secretion to stop and a decrease in blood glucose concentration.
  • B. glucagon secretion to stop and an increase in blood glucose concentration.
  • C. insulin secretion to stop and an increase in blood glucose concentration.
  • D. insulin secretion to stop and a decrease in blood glucose concentration.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

β-cells are responsible for insulin production. The function of insulin is to lower blood glucose levels by promoting the influx of glucose into cells and by stimulating anabolic processes, such as glycogenesis or fat and protein synthesis. Thus, destruction of the β-cells would result in a cessation of insulin production, which would lead to hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose concentrations.

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