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Insect Photoperiodism and Circadian Clocks: Models and Mechanisms

Bambos Panayiotis Kyriacou

Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK

Photoperiodic clocks allow organisms to predict the coming season. In insects, the seasonal adaptive response mainly takes the form of diapause. The extensively studied photoperiodic clock in insects was primarily characterized by a "black-box" approach, resulting in numerous cybernetic models. This is in contrast with the circadian clock, which has been dissected pragmatically at the molecular level, particularly in Drosophila. Unfortunately, Drosophila melanogaster, the favorite model organism for circadian studies, does not demonstrate a pronounced seasonal response, and consequently molecular analysis has not progressed in this area. In the current article, the authors explore different ways in which identified molecular components of the circadian pacemaker may play a role in photoperiodism. Future progress in understanding the Drosophilacircadian pacemaker, particularly as further output components are identified, may provide a direct link between the clock and photoperiodism. In addition, with improved molecular tools, it is now possible to turn to other insects that have a more dramatic photoperiodic response.

Key Words: photoperiodism • clock models • circadian rhythm • Drosophila • molecular genetics

Journal of Biological Rhythms, Vol. 16, No. 4, 381-390 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/074873001129002088


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