Circadian clocks provide a biological measure of time that coordinates metabolism, physiology and behaviour with 24 h cycles in the environment. Circadian systems have a variety of characteristic properties, such as entrainment to environmental cues, a self-sustaining rhythm of about 24 h and temperature compensation of the circadian rhythm. In this

perspective, we discuss the process of circadian gating, which refers to the restriction of a biological event to particular times of day by the circadian clock. We introduce principles and processes associated with circadian gating in a variety of organisms, including some associated mechanisms. We highlight socioeconomic opportunities presented by the  investigation of circadian gating, using selected examples from circadian medicine and agricultural crop production to illustrate its importance.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘Circadian rhythms in infection and immunity’.