Cellular Clock Theory Flashcards, test questions and answers

Discover flashcards, test exam answers, and assignments to help you learn more about Cellular Clock Theory and other subjects. Don’t miss the chance to use them for more effective college education. Use our database of questions and answers on Cellular Clock Theory and get quick solutions for your test.

What is Cellular Clock Theory?

Cellular Clock Theory is an evolutionary theory which states that organisms have evolved over time to adapt to the rhythms of their environment. It proposes that cells have built-in clocks which regulate their physiology and behavior, allowing them to anticipate and respond to changes in the external environment. This theory has been used to explain the evolution of circadian rhythms, seasonal adaptation, hibernation strategies, and other temporal adaptations in animals.The Cellular Clock Theory was first proposed in 1982 by two American biologists, Michael Hastings and Steven Golden. They suggested that all organisms contain biological clocks or timers which allow them to track environmental changes over time. These clocks are composed of genetic networks with feedback loops which interact with each other through signals from hormones or proteins. The timing of these signals determines when certain physiological processes happen within an organism’s body in order to optimize its survival strategy for its environment.For example, a bird might use its cellular clock to detect cues like day length or temperature in order to determine when it should migrate or start nesting for the season. Similarly, a hibernating mammal might use its cellular clock as a timer for when it should enter into a deep sleep during winter months so as not waste energy during times of food scarcity or intense cold temperatures. Cellular clocks can also be found across different species within an ecosystem; plants may coordinate their flowering times based on environmental cues like day length while animals track these cues in order select optimal feeding times throughout the year. Through this process, organisms can synchronize their behaviors with each other as well as with their environment for mutual benefit; this effect is known as ecological synchronization and plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity across many ecosystems worldwide.