Feedback Mechanism Examples

Organisms use feedback mechanisms in order to maintain homeostasis or dynamic equilibrium.

Feedback mechanism are used when the level of one substance influences the level of another substance or activity of another organ.
ex: increase in heart rate and respiratory rate which occurs in response to increased exercise or other increased muscle cell activity.
ex: temperature regulation
* when we "heat up" we sweat if possible
* the evaporation of this perspiration returns the body to its original temperature

Blood Sugar Regulation

The pancreas is an endocrine gland which produces hormones which regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels

-Increase in blood sugar level triggers the release of the hormone insulin by the pancreas
-Insulin lowers blood sugar level restoring the body to its original blood glucose level in two major ways:
1. Increases the ability of body cells to take in glucose from the blood
2. Converts blood glucose to the compound glycogen -- this compound is also called animal starch and is stored in our liver and muscles Homeostasis by Plants Maintenance of Water

Plant Water Regulation

-Plants need to regulate water loss and carbon dioxide intake for photosynthesis and other life activities
-When not enough water in their cells, they wilt
-Guard cells are used that will close during periods of limited water availability for the plant allows the plant to maintain water homeostasis