NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of insulin in the human body?
Options
- AIt is secreted by the -cells of the Islets of Langerhans to elevate blood glucose levels.
- BIt acts mainly on hepatocytes and adipocytes to enhance cellular glucose uptake and utilisation.
- CIt stimulates the process of glycogenolysis in the liver during periods of prolonged fasting.
- DIt promotes gluconeogenesis to prevent hypoglycemia immediately after consuming a carbohydrate-rich meal.
Correct answer
B. It acts mainly on hepatocytes and adipocytes to enhance cellular glucose uptake and utilisation.
Step-by-step solution
Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the -cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It plays a major role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis by acting mainly on hepatocytes (liver cells) and adipocytes (fat cells). Insulin enhances cellular glucose uptake and utilisation, leading to a decrease in blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). It also stimulates the conversion of glucose to glycogen (glycogenesis) in the target cells and inhibits glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Therefore, the statement