Question

1. insulin is a protein that helps cells take in glucose. how could a change in

the insulin gene affect blood sugar levels?
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1. compare what insulin does and what glucagon does. what might happen if

glucagon did not work?
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Explanation:

1. The insulin gene codes for insulin. A mutation might make insulin non-functional or reduce its amount, so cells can’t take in glucose, increasing blood sugar.
2. Insulin and glucagon regulate blood sugar oppositely. Glucagon triggers glucose release from the liver; its failure leaves low blood sugar uncorrected.

Answer:

1. A change in the insulin gene could reduce functional insulin production, leading to high blood sugar.
2. Insulin lowers blood sugar; glucagon raises it. Without glucagon, low blood sugar may persist.