CIRCADIAN CLOCKS Meaning and
Definition
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Circadian clocks are internal biological timekeeping mechanisms found in organisms that regulate numerous physiological processes and behaviors on a roughly 24-hour cycle. They are genetically encoded and are present in diverse organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and even some microorganisms.
These clocks help organisms anticipate and adapt to recurring environmental changes, such as the daily light-dark cycles caused by the rotation of the Earth. The molecular basis of circadian clocks involves a complex network of genes and proteins that interact to generate and maintain the rhythmic oscillations.
Circadian clocks are primarily regulated by external cues, known as zeitgebers, with the most influential one being the light-dark cycle. Light signals received by specialized photoreceptors in the eyes transmit information to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain, which serves as the master control center for the circadian system.
Circadian clocks influence various physiological and behavioral processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone secretion, metabolism, body temperature, and cognitive functions. They help optimize the timing of these processes to align with the most appropriate environmental conditions. Disturbances in circadian rhythms, such as those caused by shift work, jet lag, or certain sleep disorders, can lead to adverse health effects and disruptions in overall well-being.
Understanding the intricate workings of circadian clocks has implications in various fields, ranging from chronobiology and neuroscience to medicine and agriculture. Research in this area continues to shed light on the importance of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm and its impact on overall health and performance.
Common Misspellings for CIRCADIAN CLOCKS
- circdian clock
- circadian clock
- circidian clock
- circadien clock
- xircadian clocks
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- fircadian clocks
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Etymology of CIRCADIAN CLOCKS
The word "circadian clocks" consists of two parts: "circadian" and "clocks".
The term "circadian" is derived from the Latin words "circa" (meaning "around") and "dies" (meaning "day"). It was coined by Franz Halberg, a scientist, in the 1950s, combining the Latin roots to represent the recurring 24-hour biological rhythm observed in living organisms.
The term "clocks" refers to an instrument used to measure or indicate the flow of time. In the context of "circadian clocks", it represents the mechanism or system within an organism that regulates its internal 24-hour cycle.
Put together, "circadian clocks" denotes the internal timekeeping systems present in living organisms that govern their biological rhythms synchronized with the Earth's rotation.
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