ABSTRACT
Revolutionary changes in mouse molecular genetics in recent years have had a profound effect on the field o f mammalian circadian rhythms research. The purpose o f this chapter is to describe the facts that have been learned and those that can potentially be learned with regard to m ammalian rhythms from the molecular genetic approach. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages o f methods useful in identifying candidate clock genes-those genes which encode proteins necessary for circadian clock function. We will then discuss possible strategies for determ ining the level o f clock organization at which a candidate gene’s product functions.
