Which of the following statements best describes the role of insulin in the body?

• A. Insulin inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids in adipose tissue.
• B. Insulin stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to increase blood glucose levels.
• C. Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
• D. Insulin increases gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of insulin in the body. Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Its primary function is to regulate blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells.
2. Step 2: Analyze each statement provided in the problem. For example, the first statement claims that insulin inhibits fatty acid synthesis in adipose tissue. This is incorrect because insulin actually promotes fatty acid synthesis in adipose tissue when glucose levels are high.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement, which suggests that insulin stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to increase blood glucose levels. This is incorrect because insulin promotes glycogen synthesis (glycogenesis) rather than breakdown (glycogenolysis).
4. Step 4: Examine the third statement, which states that insulin promotes the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. This is correct because insulin facilitates glucose transport into cells by activating glucose transporters such as GLUT4, especially in muscle and adipose tissue.
5. Step 5: Review the fourth statement, which claims that insulin increases gluconeogenesis in the liver. This is incorrect because insulin inhibits gluconeogenesis, a process that generates glucose, as part of its role in lowering blood glucose levels.