The biological clock is a term used to describe the internal mechanism that regulates the timing of physiological and behavioral processes in living organisms. It is a fundamental concept in the field of biology and has been the subject of extensive research in recent years. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of biological clock.
Definitions
The biological clock can be defined as an internal timekeeping system that regulates the timing of biological processes in living organisms. It is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, metabolism, and other physiological processes. The biological clock is also known as the circadian rhythm, which is a 24-hour cycle that governs the timing of various biological processes.
Origin
The concept of the biological clock has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that scientists began to study it in depth. The first person to describe the biological clock was the French scientist Jean-Jacques d’Ortous de Mairan in the 18th century. He observed that the leaves of the mimosa plant opened and closed at regular intervals, even when kept in complete darkness.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The biological clock is defined differently in different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an internal mechanism that regulates the timing of physiological and behavioral processes in living organisms.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “an innate mechanism in living organisms that controls the periodicity of various physiological functions or activities.”
Associations
The biological clock is associated with various physiological and behavioral processes, including sleep, hormone production, metabolism, and cell division. It is also associated with various health conditions, such as sleep disorders, depression, and obesity.
Synonyms
The synonyms of biological clock include circadian rhythm, internal clock, internal timekeeper, and body clock.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for biological clock as it is a fundamental concept in the field of biology and cannot be negated.
The same root words
The same root words for biological clock include bio, which means life, and clock, which means a device for measuring time.
Example Sentences
- The biological clock regulates the timing of various physiological processes in the body.
- Jet lag occurs when the biological clock is disrupted due to travel across time zones.
- The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that governs the timing of various biological processes in the body.
- Research has shown that disruptions to the biological clock can lead to various health conditions, such as sleep disorders and obesity.
- The body clock is an internal mechanism that regulates the timing of various physiological and behavioral processes in the body.