Homeostasis and Feedback Loops

Homeostasis

• The main purpose of homeostasis is to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
• Regulated variables, such as body temperature, are controlled to maintain homeostasis.
• Normal fluctuations are expected in regulated variables, such as body temperature.

###feedback Loop

• The integration center plays a crucial role in a feedback loop, receiving and processing information to trigger a response.
• The effector acts as a working organ or part of the body that elicits a response in a feedback loop.
• Regulating the extracellular fluid is more efficient for maintaining homeostasis than regulating the intracellular fluid for each individual cell.

Carbohydrates

• The three types of individual sugar units mentioned are glucose, galactose, and fructose.
• Lactose is known as 'milk sugar'.
• Fructose is mainly found in fruits and honey.

Phospholipids

• Phospholipids have hydrophobic phosphate heads and hydrophilic tails.
• The inner core of a micelle is composed of hydrophobic tails.
• In a liposome, the hydrophobic property of phosphate heads faces outward.

Proteins

• The building blocks of proteins are amino acids.
• Different types of amino acids are differentiated by their R groups.
• The functionality of an amino acid is determined by its R group.

Positive Feedback

• Positive feedback is commonly found in the body and is associated with corrective actions to return back to homeostasis.
• Positive feedback occurs during ovulation, where a surge in luteinizing hormone triggers a greater response.
• The terminal signal that stops the positive feedback loop during ovulation is the release of progesterone.
• The release of oxytocin signals the uterus to contract with more force during childbirth.

Biomolecules

• The molecule at the center of much of the biomolecules discussed is carbon.
• A hydroxyl group (OH) is a functional group with a polar property.
• Biomolecules made up of monosaccharides are classified as carbohydrates.
• The effect of a hydroxyl group on a biomolecule is to make it polar.
• Insulin is released in response to increased blood glucose levels, and its role is to lower blood glucose levels.

Test your knowledge about homeostasis and feedback loops. Understand how the body maintains its internal environment through the regulation of extracellular fluid and feedback loops.