Scientists discover a completely new biological clock
Translated from Estonian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Scientists have discovered a previously unknown biological mechanism in roundworms that functions as an organism's clock.
- This internal clock controls when genes are switched on and off during development.
- The mechanism ensures the organism grows at the right time and in the correct sequence, akin to a conductor.
Scientists have uncovered a novel biological clock mechanism in roundworms, a discovery that sheds new light on the intricate processes of development. This previously unknown biological system acts as an internal timer, precisely controlling gene expression throughout an organism's growth.
The newly identified clock dictates the precise timing for genes to be activated or deactivated. This precise regulation is crucial for ensuring that an organism develops correctly, growing at the appropriate stages and in the proper sequence. Researchers liken its function to that of a conductor, orchestrating the complex symphony of developmental processes.
This finding in roundworms, known for their simple yet well-defined developmental pathways, offers a fundamental insight into biological timing. Understanding such mechanisms could have broader implications for developmental biology and potentially for understanding developmental disorders in more complex organisms.
Originally published by Postimees in Estonian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.