Gravity and light effects on the circadian clock of a desert beetle, Trigonoscelis gigas

Circadian function is affected by exposure to altered ambient force environments. Under non-earth gravitational fields, both basic features of circadian rhythms and the expression of the clock responsible for these rhythms are altered. We examined the activity rhythm of the tenebrionid beetle, Trigonoscelis gigas, in conditions of microgravity (μG; spaceflight), earth’s gravity (1 G) and 2 G (centrifugation). Data were recorded under a light–dark cycle (LD), constant light (LL), and constant darkness (DD). Free-running period (τ) was significantly affected by both the gravitational field and ambient light intensity. In DD, τ was longer under 2 G than under either 1 G or μG. In addition, τLL was significantly different from τDD under μG and 1 G, but not under 2 G.