Analysis of a blood sample from a fasting individual who had not eaten for 24 hours would be expected to reveal high levels of ________.
A) insulin
B) glucagon
C) gastrin
D) glucose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an individual fasts for a significant period of time, their blood glucose levels drop. In response, the pancreas secretes glucagon which induces the liver to break down stored glycogen into glucose to maintain blood glucose levels. Therefore, a blood sample from a fasting individual who has not eaten for 24 hours would be expected to reveal high levels of glucagon. Insulin levels would be low since insulin promotes glucose uptake from the blood and storage in the liver, muscle and adipose tissue. Gastrin levels would also be low as it is secreted in response to food ingestion. Glucose levels would also be low due to the lack of food intake.

Analysis of a Blood Sample from a Fasting Individual Who