Alpatov A M, Chernyshov V B, Zotov V A, Reitveld W J
Aviakosm Ekolog Med. 2000;34(1):58-61.
The beetle proposed for studying has a unique feature: unusually precise and reliable circadian clock that evolved as an advanced adaptation to extreme arid environment. Consequently this clock became functionally similar to that of vertebrates, i.e. it has a narrow range of entrainment, stable free-running period, strong endogenous component of rhythm. This beetle is also using due to its high viability, good tolerance to housing and handling, small size and safety in use. Space flight experiments with beetles on BION, PHOTON satellites and on MIR orbital station proved that parameters of circadian rhythms are dependent upon gravity. Future studies will focus on electrophysiology and comparative ecology of these beetles. This biological species together with developed methods represent a new promising technology of research in gravitational chronobiology.
其生物钟异常精确且可靠，这是作为对极端干旱环境的一种高级适应性进化而来的。因此，这个生物钟在功能上变得与脊椎动物的生物钟相似，即它的夹带范围狭窄、自由运行周期稳定、节律的内源性成分很强。这种甲虫还因其高生存能力、对饲养和处理的良好耐受性、体型小以及使用安全而被采用。在BION卫星、光子卫星和和平号轨道站上对甲虫进行的太空飞行实验证明，昼夜节律参数取决于重力。未来的研究将集中在这些甲虫的电生理学和比较生态学方面。这个生物物种以及所开发的方法代表了引力时间生物学研究中的一种新的有前景的技术。
