• Question: Why do our bodies know how to work like clockwork?

    Asked by Obiora to Carmen, Daniel, Laura, Noel, Steph on 17 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Carmen Denman

      Carmen Denman answered on 17 Mar 2015:

      The short answer is the body clock, or circadian clock. Regardless of dark or light, this circadian clock regulating our bodies is like an internal clock that keeps track of time. Circadian comes from “circa-diem” meaning “around a day” being a 24 hour cycle. It is an intracellular clock, so if you look in individual cells they are all able to keep time as well. If you put cells in a dish they will show 24-hour changes in gene expression!

      Here is a link to learn more:
      http://science.howstuffworks.com/dictionary/biology-terms/biological-clock-info.htm

      Cheers!

      Carmen

    • Photo: Noel Carter

      Noel Carter answered on 17 Mar 2015:

      Cells have an internal clock system called circadian rhythm which has by and large evolved to mirror an earth day or 24hours. It means that we are often better doing certain tasks at different times in the day. I don’t understand the actual mechanism to be honest as it isn’t my area of expertise. Good old Wikipedia gives a nice intro to the subject

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm

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