genbio s2

Feedback Mechanism

A process where the body maintains internal balance (homeostasis).

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain stable internal conditions.

Stimulus

A change in the body or environment that triggers a response.

Receptor

Detects or senses the change in the stimulus.

Control Center

Processes information and decides what response is needed.

Effector

An organ or structure that carries out the response.

Response

The action taken to correct or enhance the change.

Negative Feedback

A feedback mechanism that counteracts or reverses the stimulus.

Positive Feedback

A feedback mechanism that amplifies or enhances the stimulus.

Thermoreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in body temperature.

Hypothalamus

The control center that regulates body temperature and water balance.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels to release heat.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels to conserve heat.

Osmoreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in water concentration in the blood.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

A hormone that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Chemoreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in gas levels such as CO₂.

Medulla

Part of the brain that controls breathing rate.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels.

Baroreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in blood pressure.

Gene

The basic unit of heredity.

Allele

An alternative form of a gene.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

The physical or observable trait of an organism.

Monohybrid Cross

A genetic cross involving one trait.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross involving two traits.

Law of Segregation

Alleles separate during gamete formation.

Law of Independent Assortment

Traits are inherited independently of one another.

Dominant Trait

A trait that masks the expression of a recessive trait.

Recessive Trait

A trait that is expressed only when two recessive alleles are present.

Incomplete Dominance

A pattern of inheritance where traits blend.

Codominance

A pattern of inheritance where both traits are fully expressed.

Multiple Alleles

A gene that has more than two possible alleles in a population.

Blood Type A

A blood type with IAIA or IAi genotype.

Blood Type B

A blood type with IBIB or IBi genotype.

Blood Type AB

A blood type with IAIB genotype showing codominance.

Blood Type O

A blood type with ii genotype.

Pedigree

A family tree that tracks inheritance of traits.