A special group of ultradian oscillations.

Based on results from our studies, including those on leaf movements, circummutations of shoots, levels of enzyme activity, and metabolites, and from an extensive review of the literature, we have identified a special group of ultradian oscillations. Collectively, these oscillations have periods that range from approximately 30 to 240 min. Their patterns seldom exhibit strict periodicity or constant waveform. They have been observed in various animals, human beings, plants, and microorganisms. These oscillations appear to be a ubiquitous phenomenon, present at various levels of organization, e.g., biochemical to behavioral, and provide a unifying paradigm for exploring biological dynamics.