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Mid-range Ultradian Rhythms in Drosophila and the Circadian Clock Problem

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Ultradian Rhythms from Molecules to Mind

Abstract

The current molecular model of the circadian timer presumes a 24-h escapement based on a transcription/translation oscillator (TTO) as the ultimate frequency source. The output of a very accurate mammalian circadian clock functioning both in free-run and LD-entrained mode is here analyzed using clock-theory methodology. The results are used to ask whether this postulated molecular oscillator is consistent in theory with the precision observed. The outcome suggests that the TTO is found wanting in this regard and a number of reasons why this may be so are discussed. In contrast, mid-range ultradian oscillations (τ ~ 1–18 h) provide likely evidence for even faster oscillations, and these very high frequency ultradian oscillations in turn offer an alternative to the TTO as the biological clock’s escapement. The well-studied TTO would act as the “integrator” of this inherently more precise timing information translating it into a relevant time frame. Two-part timing systems such as this are universal in all man-made clocks.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, 5751 Murray Hall, Orono, ME, 04469-5751

    H. B. Dowse

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  1. Microbiology (BIOSI 1), Cardiff University, Main Building, Cardiff, CF10 3TL, Wales, UK

    David Lloyd

  2. 125 Howard Ave., Los Osos, CA, 93402, USA

    Ernest L. Rossi

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Dowse, H.B. (2008). Mid-range Ultradian Rhythms in Drosophila and the Circadian Clock Problem. In: Lloyd, D., Rossi, E.L. (eds) Ultradian Rhythms from Molecules to Mind. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8352-5_8

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