Biological Timekeeping refers to the intrinsic, genetically encoded system that regulates the timing of physiological processes, operating on circadian, ultradian, and infradian rhythms. This internal clock, primarily governed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, dictates critical functions such as hormone secretion, sleep-wake cycles, and metabolic rate. Disruptions to this precise timekeeping mechanism can significantly impair hormonal health and accelerate age-related decline.
Origin
The concept is deeply rooted in chronobiology, stemming from the Latin words circa (“about”) and diem (“day”), describing the approximately 24-hour cycle of biological activity. Modern understanding of this process was significantly advanced by the discovery of specific clock genes and their protein products.
Mechanism
Core clock genes, including Per and Cry, operate in a transcriptional-translational feedback loop within nearly every cell, synchronizing cellular function with the external light-dark cycle. The master clock in the brain integrates environmental cues, transmitting signals to peripheral organs to coordinate the rhythmic release of hormones like cortisol and melatonin, thereby maintaining systemic physiological harmony.
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