Molecular mechanisms and physiological importance of circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythmicity is generated by genetically encoded molecular clocks with a periodicity of about one day.

• Molecular clocks regulate a variety of physiological functions, including neurological, metabolic, endocrine, cardiovascular, and immune processes.
• These clocks create cyclic changes in their abundance and activity, influencing organ and tissue function.
• A neural pacemaker helps synchronize circadian oscillators and aligns them with the solar day.
• Environmental cues play a significant role in how these internal clocks operate and communicate time-of-day information throughout the body.
• The Review highlights similarities and differences in circadian clock mechanisms between Drosophila melanogaster and mammals.

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