LAGUNA DESIGN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY LAGUNA DESIGN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Glucagon hormone molecule. Computer model showing the structure of the human hormone glucagon. Atoms are colour-coded spheres (carbon: grey, nitrogen: blue, and oxygen: red). The secondary structure (coiled ribbon) can also be seen. Glucagon is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and is released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels start to fall too low. It causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream, thus raising blood glucose levels. Glucagon also stimulates the release of insulin.
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