How does the Circadian clock work in insects like flies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the biological and chemical properties of the circadian clock in insects, specifically flies. Participants explore the mechanisms that govern the circadian rhythms and the potential for modifying these biological clocks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the biological mechanisms of a fly's circadian clock, expressing a lack of knowledge in biology.
  • Another participant questions which specific circadian clock is being referred to, indicating potential ambiguity in the discussion.
  • A participant mentions that deuterium has been shown to slow down the circadian rhythm of flies, seeking to understand the underlying biological mechanics.
  • One participant provides a simplified explanation of the circadian clock as a feedback loop involving transcription factors and proteins, noting the role of light in protein degradation.
  • A later reply points out that previous answers have been provided on similar questions, suggesting a lack of engagement with earlier contributions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a lack of consensus, with participants expressing different levels of understanding and engagement with the topic. Some questions remain unanswered, and there is contention regarding the repetition of inquiries.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the specific aspects of the circadian clock they are discussing, and there are unresolved assumptions about the biological mechanisms involved.

nukeman
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Hey all!

I am having a hard time finding a few specific answers, so thought I would give you biology nutz a question :)

A insect, more specifically, a fly...Can anyone explain the biological/chemical properties of a flies circadian clock? What governs a flies biological clock in terms of its biology ?

Possibly try and answer this based on the knowledge I don't know much about Biology :) and also, in terms of if someone wanted to "adjust or modify" a flies circadian clock.

Thanks
 
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Which clock?
 
Pythagorean said:
Which clock?

Dammn :)

I will have to ask the people who said it. They simply said that:

"Deuterium has been shown to slow down the circadian clock (rythm) of flies"

I want to understand the biological mechanics that govern a fly.
 
It's complex, but simply stated it's a feedback loop. There are transcription factors (Clock, cycle) that bind DNA and stimulate the expression of proteins (Period, Timeless), these inhibit the transcription factors (feedback loop).

The accumulation of Period of Timeless marks one period of the clock, the degradation of the proteins the other. Light plays a major role in the degradation of the protein Timeless. More info here: http://www.sdbonline.org/fly/neural/timeless.htm
 

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