What Is the Circadian Rhythm?
3. The Importance of Circadian Rhythm
Circadian rhythm is present in animals and plants. In animals, it plays a role in the feeding, sleeping, brain wave activity, body temperature, cell regeneration, hormone production, and various biological activities. In animal models where there is circadian disruption, it has been observed that these affected mice have altered glucose metabolism, obesity, and experience hyperphagia (excessive hunger or increased appetite).
Animals and humans that are kept in total darkness for an extended duration eventually have a free-running rhythm. This means that the sleep cycle is no longer adjusted to the 24-hour cycle. In plants, the circadian rhythms function to tell the plant when the best chance is to pollinate. Other behaviors include growth, germination, leaf movement, enzyme activity, and fragrance emission.
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