When blood glucose concentration decreases, glucagon is released by the pancreas into the blood and is transported to the cells.

1. (a)(i)Fig. 6.1 outlines the effect of glucagon on liver cells. [Figure 6.1] Identify P, Q, R and S shown in Fig. 6.1. P Q R S[4]
2. (a)(ii)Table 6.1 shows four processes carried out by liver cells that are affected by a decrease in blood glucose concentration. Some of these are cellular responses from cell signalling by glucagon. Complete Table 6.1 by stating whether the rate of each process increases or decreases when blood glucose concentration decreases. [Table 6.1][3]
3. (b)Type 2 diabetes is a condition affecting the homeostatic control of blood glucose concentration. In type 2 diabetes, target cells have a much lower response to insulin and some glucose is excreted in the urine. Test strips can be used to measure the concentration of glucose in a sample of urine, but many people with type 2 diabetes measure blood glucose concentration using a biosensor. Explain the principles of operation of a test strip for glucose and suggest advantages for a person with type 2 diabetes of using a biosensor instead of a test strip.[7]

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