SCN and Autonomous Clocks in Single Cells

Professor Myung highlights the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) as the master circadian clock.

Without the SCN, organisms lose 24-hour rhythmicity in activities. SCN neurons generate action potentials, with higher firing rates during the day than at night. When isolated, SCN neurons show independent, unsynchronized rhythms, emphasizing the importance of their communication in maintaining unified circadian timing.