feedback mechanism
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feed·back in·hi·bi·tion
(fēd'bak in'hi-bish'ŭn)Inhibition of activity by an end product of the pathway of which that activity is a part.
Synonym(s): feedback mechanism.
Synonym(s): feedback mechanism.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012


Fig. 159 Feedback mechanism . Excess production of X causes a shutdown of the process by inhibition of the first step from A to B.
feedback mechanism
a mechanism by which the products of a process can act as regulators of that process. Many biochemical processes are controlled by negative feedback mechanisms. See Fig. 159 . Mammals utilize negative feedback mechanisms to maintain HOMEOSTASIS in several systems, for example blood thyroxine levels, body temperature, blood osmotic pressure. Occasionally positive feedback occurs, which is a disruptive process where products of a process cause further ACTIVATION; for example, excess core heat in mammals will in turn encourage a higher metabolic rate which produces yet more heat and eventually death.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005