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In flies, moulds, and plants, the photoreceptor frequently involved in exciting the biological clock is:
  • a)
    phytochrome 
  • b)
    rhodopsin
  • c)
    cryptochrome
  • d)
    carotenoid
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
In flies, moulds, and plants, the photoreceptor frequently involved in...
Concept:
  • Cryptochromes are photoreceptors that regulate entrainment by light of the circadian clock in plants and animals.
  • They also act as integral parts of the central circadian oscillator in animal brains and as receptors controlling photomorphogenesis in response to blue or ultraviolet (UV-A) light in plants.
  • Cryptochromes are probably the evolutionary descendents of DNA photolyases, which are light-activated DNA-repair enzymes, and are classified into three groups - plant cryptochromes, animal cryptochromes, and CRY-DASH proteins.
  • Cryptochromes and photolyases have similar three-dimensional structures, characterized by an α/β domain and a helical domain.
  • The structure also includes a chromophore, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD).
  • The FAD-access cavity of the helical domain is the catalytic site of photolyases, and it is predicted also to be important in the mechanism of cryptochromes.
​Explanation:
  • Cryptochromes are widely distributed in bacteria and eukaryotes but are not found in archaea, although archaea do have a CPD photolyase.
  • The first cryptochrome gene to be identified was Arabidopsis CRY1 and cryptochromes were soon found by homology in other plant species and in animals.
  • Cryptochromes have now been found in various animal lineages, including insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals.
  • Animal cryptochromes act as components of the circadian clock that control daily physiological and behavioral rhythms and as photoreceptors that mediate entrainment of the circadian clock to light.
      hence the correct answer is option 3
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In flies, moulds, and plants, the photoreceptor frequently involved in...
Photoreceptors and Biological Clocks
Photoreceptors play a crucial role in regulating biological clocks across various organisms, including flies, moulds, and plants. Among these, cryptochrome stands out as a key player.
Understanding Cryptochrome
- Definition: Cryptochromes are flavoproteins that absorb blue light and are essential for the circadian rhythms in many organisms.
- Function in Biological Clock: They help in perceiving light changes, which are critical for synchronizing internal biological processes with the external environment. This synchronization allows organisms to optimize their behavior and physiology according to day-night cycles.
Role in Different Organisms
- In Flies: Cryptochrome is vital for circadian rhythms, influencing sleep patterns and reproductive cycles. It helps in the entrainment of the circadian clock to light.
- In Moulds: These organisms use cryptochromes for photoregulation, assisting in processes like growth and spore germination in response to light.
- In Plants: Cryptochromes affect photomorphogenesis, the growth and development of plants in response to light, enabling them to optimize their energy use for photosynthesis.
Comparison with Other Photoreceptors
- Phytochrome: Primarily involved in red light perception and regulating plant growth processes.
- Rhodopsin: Mainly found in animal eyes, responsible for vision in low light but not directly involved in circadian rhythms.
- Carotenoids: These pigments play a role in protecting against photo-damage but do not function as primary photoreceptors in circadian regulation.
In conclusion, cryptochrome is the key photoreceptor that excites the biological clock in flies, moulds, and plants, making it an essential component in the study of circadian biology.
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In flies, moulds, and plants, the photoreceptor frequently involved in exciting the biological clock is:a)phytochromeb)rhodopsinc)cryptochromed)carotenoidCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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