IGCSE Biology glossary
Negative feedback
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
A control mechanism in which a change in a condition triggers a response that reverses the change, returning the condition to its set point. The basis of homeostasis.
What to include in an exam answer
Extended-only language. The mark scheme wants the reversal idea stated explicitly: the response counteracts the original change. Use insulin/glucagon or sweating/shivering as your worked example.
Example in context
For blood glucose control: 'A rise in blood glucose triggers insulin release, which lowers it again. The response reverses the change, which is negative feedback.'
Related syllabus topic
Coordination & responseRelated terms
- Homeostasis
- Tropism
- Reflex arc
- ADH
- Insulin
- Glucagon
- Adrenaline
- Synapse
- Neurone
- Sensory neurone
- Motor neurone
- Relay neurone
- Receptor
- Effector
- Cornea
- Iris
- Lens
- Retina
- Optic nerve
- Accommodation
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hormones
- Endocrine gland
- Auxin
- Thermoregulation
- Vasoconstriction
- Vasodilation
- Sweating