We study a model unicellular dinoflagellate, Gonyaulax , where circadian expression of bioluminescence involves a daily synthesis and destruction of two proteins involved in the biochemical reaction. Thus, the amounts of the proteins increase and decrease by a factor of 10 on a daily basis. The regulation of binding may involve phosphorylation of the protein.
Recent results suggest that the regulation involves alternate start sites.
Other processes and other proteins in Gonyaulax are also regulated by the circadian clock, some with the maximum activity during the day. The structure and organization of the Gonyaulax polyedra luciferase gene. A comparative study of the three bioluminescent marine dinoflagellates. Fagan, Thomas, Hastings, J. Woodland and Morse, David. Rev. Cell Devel.