The role of temperature sensitive ion channel dTRPA1 in modulating rhythmic activity / rest behaviour in drosophila melanogasterThe role of temperature sensitive ion channel dTRPA1 in modulating rhythmic activity/ rest behaviour in drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

Organisms detect and respond to various sensory stimuli in the environment. Amongst several abiotic factors, appropriate temperature is crucial for optimal development, growth and reproduction of organisms, and plays a vital role in regulating many physiological, biochemical and metabolic processes whereas extreme high or low temperatures can be detrimental to survival. Temperature of a given geographical location depends upon a number of factors such as the latitude, altitude, distance from sea or other water bodies, vegetation, wind conditions etc. Climatic specifications of the region have a large influence on the habitat and geographic distribution of a species. Besides these climatic factors, the rotation of the earth around its own axis changes the temperature in a daily fashion (being hot during the day and cold during the night). Furthermore, the fact that the Earth’s axis has an ~ 23 degree tilt in relation to its equatorial or rotational axis gives rise to seasonality which also heavily influences annual changes in temperature.