Chapter 35, Problem 24A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The difference between insulin and glucagon.

Introduction:

Hormones are called chemical messengers. With the help of blood, hormones reach the organs and the tissue to maintain their function. There are many types of hormones that are secreted in the body to maintain the processes and function. Thyroxine hormone is secreted by thyroid glands.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between insulin and glucagon are given below.

Insulin	Glucagon
Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the beta cells in response to the high sugar level in blood.	Glucagon is a hormone that is secreted by the alpha cells in response to a low sugar level in blood.
The molecular structure of insulin consists of A chain and B chain along with 51 amino acids that link together.	The molecular structure of glucagon consists of 29 amino acids.
The precursor molecule of insulin is proinsulin.	The precursor molecules of Glucagon is proglucagon.
Insulin triggers the secretion of the high blood sugar level, some fatty acid, amino acid, and keto acid.	Glucagon triggers the secretion of low blood sugar levels of fatty acid and glucose.
Insulin decreases the blood level of glucose and fatty acid.	Glucagon increases blood fatty acid and glucose levels.
Abnormality in insulin causes diabetes I and II.	Abnormality in glucagon causes alpha cell tumors in the pancreas and cirrhosis in the liver.

Conclusion

Insulin and glucagon are both produced in the pancreas but by different cells. Insulin is produced by beta cells when the blood sugar level is high and glucagon is produced by alpha cells when the blood sugar level is low.