CLASS 10 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Homeostasis and regulatory circuits – basic principles
How it works
Homeostasis is the ability of living organisms to keep internal conditions stable despite changing external influences. This happens through regulatory circuits consisting of sensors (measuring sensors), a control center, and effectors (actuators). Sensors record the actual value, the control center compares it with the setpoint and controls the effectors to compensate for deviations. Negative feedback ensures that changes are counteracted. Examples include the regulation of body temperature, blood sugar level, or water balance.
Note
A biological regulatory circuit keeps a certain value (e.g. temperature, pH) constant through feedback and counter-regulation; sensors measure, the control center compares, effectors correct.
A biological regulatory circuit keeps a certain value (e.g. temperature, pH) constant through feedback and counter-regulation; sensors measure, the control center compares, effectors correct.
An example
What happens when the blood sugar level rises after a meal?
The elevated blood sugar level is recognized by sensors. The control center (pancreas) releases insulin, causing cells to absorb sugar and the level to fall. In this way, the setpoint is reached again.
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Biology. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.