Given below are certain groups of terms. In each group the first pair indicates a relationship between the two terms. Rewrite and complete the second pair on a similar basis. Example: Cytoplasm : Cytokinesis :: Nucleus : Karyokinesis.
Insulin : Beta-cells :: Glucagon : __________
Topic: Alpha cells
Answer
ALPHA CELLS (of the islets of Langerhans).
The relationship is HORMONE : CELLS THAT SECRETE IT. Insulin comes from the beta cells, so glucagon comes from the alpha cells.
Both lie in the ISLETS OF LANGERHANS of the pancreas, and they have OPPOSITE effects:
BETA cells → INSULIN → LOWERS blood glucose
ALPHA cells → GLUCAGON → RAISES blood glucose
The balance between the two is what keeps blood sugar steady, and it is the standard example of hormonal ANTAGONISM.
An alphabetical aid: Alpha before Beta, glucAgon before insulin — A with A.