A liver cell responds to insulin by

Subject : Biology

Question:

A liver cell responds to insulin by:

Expert Verified Solution:

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. When a liver cell responds to insulin, it undergoes several key processes:

Increased Glucose Uptake: Insulin signals liver cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. This helps lower blood sugar levels after eating.

Glycogen Synthesis: Insulin promotes the conversion of glucose into glycogen, a stored form of glucose. This process, known as glycogenesis, helps store excess glucose for future energy needs.

Reduced Gluconeogenesis: Insulin inhibits the production of new glucose by the liver, a process called gluconeogenesis. This ensures that the liver does not release more glucose into the bloodstream, which helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

Regulation of Lipid Metabolism: Insulin also affects lipid metabolism by promoting the storage of fatty acids and inhibiting the breakdown of fats.

The liver cell’s response to insulin involves absorbing glucose, storing it as glycogen, reducing glucose production, and regulating fat metabolism. This coordinated response helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and provides energy storage.