Where is the Biological Clock in Our Body and How Does it Affect Us?

In summary, the biological clock is a metaphor for our sense of time and aging and refers to a variety of timed processes in the body such as the menstrual cycle, puberty, and hormones. It is not a single thing but a collective term. Circadian rhythms, which are regulated by oscillatory networks of molecules, continue to be an active area of research and are difficult to quantify in terms of genetic influence vs. adaptation. The central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain synchronizes peripheral clocks in organs and tissues. Some molecules involved in the clock machinery may show variation across taxa, but the mechanisms underlying the functioning of biological clocks show conservation across different organisms.
  • #1
shivakumar06
69
0
where is the biological clock in our body? how does it effect us?
 
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  • #2
It is a metaphor referring to your sense of time passing and the affects of aging. It is not any single thing. eg. the menstrual cycle is an obvious biological clock ... one that counts down. There are a lot of vaguely "timed" processes in your body (puberty, pattern baldness, hormones etc) which are collectively referred to as "your biological clock".

You know how it affects you - you are alive.
 
  • #3
Arthur Winfree's book "The Geometry of Biological Time" is a terrific read. For example, as Simon mentions, there are numerous timescales to consider: the cell cycle, cardiac rhythms (and more generally, excitable cells), circadian rhythms, menstruation cycles, and the life cycle of slime mold all represent repetitive processes; the process of development from embryo to adult is another carefully regulated temporal process, but one that does not repeat.

Circadian rhythms continue to be an active area of research- it is difficult to quantify influences of genes vs. adaptation. Different organisms (fungi, bacteria, insects, vertebrates, etc) all have oscillatory networks of molecules, but the molecules themselves are not conserved (see for example, Vinod Kumar, "Biological Rhythms"), and the rhythm can show great variability in the face of environmental changes.
 
  • #4
To the Op:

Don't forget the Hayflick limit and the effects telomerase has on age
ing.

To Simon ( or anyone else who knows the answer):

Would it be correct to assume that the above two factors fall under the phenomena of the 'biological clock'?
 
  • #5
Andy Resnick said:
Circadian rhythms continue to be an active area of research- it is difficult to quantify influences of genes vs. adaptation. Different organisms (fungi, bacteria, insects, vertebrates, etc) all have oscillatory networks of molecules, but the molecules themselves are not conserved (see for example, Vinod Kumar, "Biological Rhythms"), and the rhythm can show great variability in the face of environmental changes.
Hi Andy, why do you say the circadian molecules are not conserved? Many are, cryptochrome for instance is conserved from plants to animals http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13678578. A brief insight review article (not very recent, but to the point): Circadian rhythms from flies to human.

To the OP: you need to specify what biological clock you are talking about. For circadian rhythms there is a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain, which synchronizes peripheral clocks in organs and other tissues.
 
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  • #6
Monique said:
Hi Andy, why do you say the circadian molecules are not conserved? <snip>

Just going by my fantastically poor understanding. My reference (Vinod's book, the chapter by Zordan et. al.) says "Although the molecules involved in the clock machinery show heterogeneity across taxa, the mechanisms underlying the basic functioning of biological clocks show substantial conservation at various levels of phylogeny of living organisms." I interpreted this to mean the genes/gene products are not conserved.
 

What is the biological clock in our body?

The biological clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is a natural 24-hour cycle that regulates various physiological processes in our body, such as sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, and body temperature.

How does the biological clock work?

The biological clock is controlled by a group of nerve cells in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN responds to light and dark signals from the environment and sends signals to other parts of the body to regulate their functions.

What factors can affect our biological clock?

Our biological clock can be affected by various factors, such as exposure to light, physical activity, meal times, and social interactions. Changes in these factors can disrupt our circadian rhythm and lead to sleep disorders and other health issues.

Can our biological clock change?

Yes, our biological clock can change due to external factors, such as traveling to a different time zone, working night shifts, or aging. These changes can disrupt our natural circadian rhythm and cause jet lag, fatigue, and other health problems.

Why is it important to maintain a healthy biological clock?

Maintaining a healthy biological clock is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Disruptions in our circadian rhythm can lead to sleep disorders, mood changes, and an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

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