Circadian Changes in Enzyme Concentration Account for Rhythm of Enzyme Activity in Gonyaulax

Abstract
A circadian rhythm in the activity of luciferase is partly responsible for rhythmic bioluminescence in the dinoflagellate alga Gonyaulax polyedra. The cyclic activity of this enzyme can be attributed to a corresponding rhythm in the concentration of immunologically reactive luciferase protein. Hence protein turnover (synthesis or degradation or both) is used by the endogenous clock to control the daily rhythm of bioluminescence.