What is one of the primary effects of glucagon in the body?

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. One of its primary effects is to increase blood sugar levels when they are low. It achieves this by promoting glycogenolysis, which is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, and gluconeogenesis, the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This release of glucose into the bloodstream helps raise blood sugar levels, providing energy to cells in the body, particularly during periods of fasting or low carbohydrate intake.

Glucagon's role is especially important in maintaining glucose homeostasis, particularly during times when the body needs immediate energy. By stimulating the liver to release glucose, glucagon helps prevent hypoglycemia, ensuring that vital organs, including the brain, have sufficient glucose to function properly. This rapid increase in blood sugar is essential for survival, especially in critical situations where energy demand is high.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the action of glucagon, as it is primarily concerned with increasing, rather than decreasing, blood sugar levels or influencing fat storage and protein synthesis negatively.