Open AccessHeavy Water Slows the Gonyaulax Clock: A Test of the Hypothesis That D 2 O Affects Circadian Oscillations by Diminishing the Apparent Temperature
Author(s) -
Martha D. McDaniel,
Frank M. Sulzman,
J. Woodland Hastings
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.71.11.4389
Subject(s) - circadian rhythm , period (music) , bioluminescence , circadian clock , biology , phase (matter) , biophysics , rhythm , chemistry , medicine , endocrinology , ecology , physics , organic chemistry , acoustics
In order to test the hypothesis that deuterium oxide acts in circadian systems by simulating a lower environmental temperature, we have examined the effects of D2 O onGonyaulax polyedra , where the period of the circadian rhythm of bioluminescent glow in constant environmental conditions is shorter at 16° than at 22°, and the phase of the glow peak relative to a light-dark cycle is advanced at 16° relative to 22°. Addition of low concentrations of D2 O toGonyaulax does not produce the same effects on period and phase as lowering the temperature; the free running period is lengthened and the phase is delayed. These results show that in theGonyaulax rhythm, the effect of added D2 O is not equivalent to lowering the temperature.