Neurobiology of the fruit fly's circadian clock

Genes Brain Behav. 2005 Mar;4(2):65-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1601-183X.2004.00092.x.

Abstract

Studying the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has revealed mechanisms underlying circadian clock function. Rhythmic behavior could be assessed to the function of several clock genes that generate circadian oscillations in certain brain neurons, which finally modulate behavior in a circadian manner. This review outlines how individual circadian pacemaker neurons in the fruit fly's brain control rhythm in locomotor activity and eclosion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks / physiology*
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology

Substances

  • Drosophila Proteins