Overview

Structure dictates function. A change in the structure of a molecule affects the role it plays in a pathway. A slight change at the molecular level causes disruptions at the atomic level. This error is perpetuated throughout all higher levels of organization and presents as a sign or symptom at the organismal level. In this assignment, you will explore a specific feedback loop and examine how a molecule from this homeostatic mechanism contributes to all higher levels of organization.

Instructions

Choose a molecule that plays a role in a feedback loop.

Prepare a written paper of at least 1000 words that includes:

Identify what structure your chosen molecules acts upon.

Describe the role of the target structure in the feedback mechanism.

Explain how this loop contributes to homeostasis of the organism.

Using anatomical position terms, describe the spatial relationship of the target structure with its surroundings.

Predict how the absence of your chosen molecule in an individual will affect all levels of structural organization.

Your paper should be formatted as a proper research paper with an introduction and conclusion. Do not simply follow the bullet points above, but really think about what you have learned and how that relates to other material we have covered, and knowledge you have from other courses you may have taken. The Research and Report assignments in this course are capstone assignments for each module.