Biological clock

clock (klok) a device for measuring time.

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biological clock  the physiologic mechanism which governs the rhythmic occurrence of certain biochemical, physiologic, and behavioral phenomena in living organisms.

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biological clock

n.

An innate mechanism in living organisms that controls the periodicity or rhythm of various physiological functions or activities.

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Biological clock

A synonym for the body's circadian rhythm, the natural biological variations that occur over the course of a day.

Mentioned in: Cluster Headache

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biological

1. pertaining to biology.

2. a medicinal preparation made from living organisms and their products; these include serums, vaccines, etc.

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biological clock

the physiological mechanisms which govern the rhythmic occurrence of certain biochemical, physiological and behavioral phenomena in living organisms. See also biological rhythm.

biological control

control of a parasite by making use of its natural enemies, especially other pests. The target may also be a vector or a reservoir for infection.

biological data

usually comprise a list of vital statistics about an animal or plant species, recording such things as preferred growth medium, temperature and humidity and details of the internal milieu including blood pH, normal blood electrolytes and the like.

biological environment

includes the influence of all biological factors such as warmth, moisture and humidity, but also the plant ecosystem in which the animal lives and the associated populations of vertebrates and invertebrates that may compete for food and space, and may also act as reservoirs for infectious diseases.

biological filters

are used for the treatment of sewage effluent. They comprise a column of stones or plastic pieces which become covered with bacteria which degrade the organic matter in the effluent.

biological significance

is an estimate of the biological importance of a statistical or apparent causal association between two variables, e.g. feed supply and the occurrence of bovine acetonemia. The estimation takes into account the possible biological relationship between the two; an estimate of statistical significance would take only the mathematical relationship into account.

biological value

relationship between the amount of nutrient absorbed and the amount utilized by the body. Expressed as a percentage. Called also BV.