How do organisms regulate complex systems through chemical interactions?

Example:

The heating system of a house works to keep the temperature constant. If the house gets too cold, then the
heat automatically turns on to warm the house. The heat stops when the preset temperature is reached. This
is an example of a feedback mechanism. Organisms use many feedback mechanisms to either maintain or
amplify important chemical systems. This could happen at a molecular level to coordinate the function of a
single enzyme or it could happen throughout the body to regulate the organism’s internal temperature.

Biological systems operate on a mechanism of inputs and outputs, each caused by and causing a certain
event. A feedback loop is a biological occurrence wherein the output of a system amplifies the system
(positive feedback) or inhibits the system (negative feedback).

Place these words in the diagram: Stimulus,response , increase, decrease.

Decreased increased
What is the definition of a stimulus? an action that creates a response
What is the definition of a response? action or event
What is the definition of a signal? A stimulus

1. Why are feedback loops important? They are important to get a desired response
 1. What portion of the brain contains sensors that monitor body temperature? hypothalamus
2. What are two mechanisms the body uses to cool itself? Sweat glands increase sweat production
and blood vessels in skin dilate
3. What are two mechanisms the body uses to heat itself? Blood vessels in skin constrict and
muscles shiver

Consider the feedback loop that cools the body when it is too cold.

4. Identify the “stimulus” and “response” in the feedback loop. Stimulus: temp below normal body
temperature, response: body temp increases
5. Is this feedback loop positive or negative feedback? Justify your reasoning. Negative feedback
because this loop is helping maintain homeostasis.
Consider the feedback loop that heats the body when it is too warm.

6. Identify the “stimulus” and “response” in the feedback loop. Stimulus: temp above normal body
temperature, response: body temp decreases
7. Is this feedback loop positive or negative feedback? Justify your reasoning. Negative feedback
because this loop is helping maintain homeostasis.
On a poster, pick and illustrate 4 topics :

a. Research the mechanism to determine the stimulus and the response.
b. Diagram the feedback loop(s) involved. Positive or Negative.
c. Be prepared to present your findings to the rest of the class.
d. What would happen is these feedback loops would not occur?

Negative Feedback loops in the human body (use this
figure 8 diagram to the right if examples occur in the
human body)

Receptor—a sensory organ
Stimulus—an action that creates a response
Effector—An organ that acts as a response
Response—action or event


Topics or choose your own.

1. When a person has not taken in sufficient water
they become dehydrated. This may cause a loss of blood pressure, which will trigger the release of
antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
2. Eat candy and your blood sugar level is too high.
3. Terrestrial plants and their water supply.
4. Lactation in mammals.