Negative Feedback - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Negative feedback is a process in the body that helps maintain stable internal conditions (homeostasis), like a thermostat keeping a room at the right temperature. In GCSE Biology, this system is important for controlling factors such as body temperature, blood glucose levels, and water balance. When a condition in the body moves away from the normal level, the change is detected and responses are triggered to bring it back to normal. For example, if the body becomes too hot, negative feedback mechanisms (such as sweating and vasodilation) help to cool it down. It acts as a loop that constantly monitors and adjusts internal conditions to keep them within a healthy range.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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