Clock Mutants of Drosophila Melanogaster

Clock mutants of Drosophila melanogaster This is a classic paper by Konopka and Benzer that marked the beginning of research into the molecular basis of the circadian clock. The abstract plainly reports the discovery without much interpretation.

The discovery is clear: a gene responsible for circadian rhythm was identified and named Period. This marks the first discovery of a circadian clock gene. But, interestingly, mutation of this gene can result in three phenotypes.

In their forward genetics approach, the automated measurement apparatus for circadian behavioral activity plays a crucial role. Why might this be the case? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.