Cells are smart and use a couple of ways to control their signals. These methods are called feedback mechanisms. There are two main types: positive feedback and negative feedback.
Negative Feedback: This method is the most common. When something in the cell reaches a certain point, the cell pulls back or stops the signaling.
For example, let's talk about blood sugar. When there is a lot of sugar in the blood, the body releases insulin. Insulin helps lower the sugar levels. When the sugar levels drop, the body makes less insulin.
Positive Feedback: This method makes things happen faster. A good example is childbirth. When a woman is in labor, her body releases a hormone called oxytocin.
Oxytocin makes the contractions stronger, which causes even more oxytocin to be released. This keeps going until the baby is born.
These feedback loops help cells keep balance, known as homeostasis, and react to changes around them.
Cells are smart and use a couple of ways to control their signals. These methods are called feedback mechanisms. There are two main types: positive feedback and negative feedback.
Negative Feedback: This method is the most common. When something in the cell reaches a certain point, the cell pulls back or stops the signaling.
For example, let's talk about blood sugar. When there is a lot of sugar in the blood, the body releases insulin. Insulin helps lower the sugar levels. When the sugar levels drop, the body makes less insulin.
Positive Feedback: This method makes things happen faster. A good example is childbirth. When a woman is in labor, her body releases a hormone called oxytocin.
Oxytocin makes the contractions stronger, which causes even more oxytocin to be released. This keeps going until the baby is born.
These feedback loops help cells keep balance, known as homeostasis, and react to changes around them.