One interesting branch of biochemistry which scientists are still trying to completely unravel is the area of chronobiochemistry. The history of chronobiology is dated 400 B.C., when Androsthenes observes that leaves of certain trees open during the day and close at night. It was only recently that the first human clock gene was discovered. All living organisms possess an internal biological clock referred to as the circadian (meaning about a day) clock that enables them to adapt to the continual and daily cycle of day and night, as the earth evolves every 24 hours. This is initiated by a molecular clock present in almost all cells in living things. The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus of the brain contain the master clock, and this master clock coordinates all other peripheral clocks throughout the organism. Clock disruption by genetic or environmental factors has been implicated in a number of pathological conditions. The circadian clock disorganization predisposes humans and mice to cancer. Cell cycle and circadian cycle are two regulatory mechanisms that indirectly or directly affect all biochemical reactions in cells. Therefore, the disruption of one would result in the dysregulation of the other, with consequent adverse effects on the cell. Lack of expression of clock genes has been found in a number of cancer types in humans. Thus, internal (mutation) or external time cues (such as light/dark cycle and temperature) that may disrupt the circardian rhythm may pose health risk in humans and other organisms.
Somade, O. (2018). ROLE OF CIRCADIAN CLOCK GENES IN THE REGULATION OF CELL CYCLE PROCESSES. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/role-of-circadian-clock-genes-in-the-regulation-of-cell-cycle-processes
Somade, Oluwatobi "ROLE OF CIRCADIAN CLOCK GENES IN THE REGULATION OF CELL CYCLE PROCESSES" Afribary. Afribary, 26 Mar. 2018, https://afribary.com/works/role-of-circadian-clock-genes-in-the-regulation-of-cell-cycle-processes. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
Somade, Oluwatobi . "ROLE OF CIRCADIAN CLOCK GENES IN THE REGULATION OF CELL CYCLE PROCESSES". Afribary, Afribary, 26 Mar. 2018. Web. 11 Oct. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/role-of-circadian-clock-genes-in-the-regulation-of-cell-cycle-processes >.
Somade, Oluwatobi . "ROLE OF CIRCADIAN CLOCK GENES IN THE REGULATION OF CELL CYCLE PROCESSES" Afribary (2018). Accessed October 11, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/role-of-circadian-clock-genes-in-the-regulation-of-cell-cycle-processes