Circadian clocks in daily and seasonal control of development.
The rotation of the earth results in regular changes in the light environment, and organisms have evolved a molecular oscillator that allows them to anticipate these changes. This daily molecular oscillator, known as the circadian clock, regulates a diverse array of physiologies across a wide variety of organisms. This review highlights a few of the insights we have into circadian clock regulation of development, in both plants and animals. A common thread linking plants and animals is the use of the circadian clock to sense changes in day length and to mediate a diverse number of photoperiodic responses.
Schultz
Thomas F
TF
Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Kay
Steve A
SA
D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006128:Growth; D008027:Light; D017440:Photoperiod; D063245:Plant Development; D012621:Seasons