Biology
Biology
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780134813448
Author: Audesirk, Teresa, Gerald, Byers, Bruce E.
Publisher: Pearson,
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 38.2, Problem 1CSC

Insulin is a large, water-soluble hormone that binds to receptors on the outside surface of muscle, fat, and several other cell types. Insulin binding to its receptors activates proteins that in turn stimulate or inhibit many enzymes inside the cell. One of the activated enzymes starts a cascade of reactions inside the cell, with the result that glucose-transporting proteins are moved to the plasma membrane. Once in the plasma membrane, the transport proteins facilitate the diffusion of glucose into the cell.

Insulin is essential to regulate metabolism and sustain life, but it can have a dark side, too. Excessive insulin, particularly if combined with fasting, can stimulate muscle and fat cells to take up too much glucose from the blood. In extreme cases, blood glucose can drop so low that a person goes into insulin shock. Deprived of glucose, the brain shuts down, and the victim may faint, go into a coma, and die. There have even been a couple of cases of “murder by insulin.” But insulin shock never happens in a properly functioning human body. Why not? How does the body regulate insulin release and glucose metabolism preventing insulin shock? Or regulate the release of other hormones, so you don’t grow so tall that you can't stand up, or become so frightened by a loud noise that your heart fails?

Blurred answer
Students have asked these similar questions
How is the term enzyme related to the term protein
Can very low temperatures cause proteins to denature? Explain why or why not?
Humans consider themselves amazingly clever and innovative, constantly developing "new" ways of altering the world around us. As material consumption has increased, many have turned to the ideas of recycling and reuse as a means to minimize some negative aspects of our modern consumerism. Mother Nature though is the ultimate innovator and, more importantly, the ultimate recycler.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions
Nursing
ISBN:9781305441620
Author:WOODROW
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Essentials Of Human Development
Biology
ISBN:9781285647357
Author:Kail
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Principles Of Pharmacology Med Assist
Biology
ISBN:9781337512442
Author:RICE
Publisher:Cengage
Intro to Cell Signaling; Author: Amoeba Sisters;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dbRterutHY;License: Standard youtube license