Summary
The total RNA in stationary phase cultures of the dinoflagellate,Gonyaulax polyedra, in continuous light showed a well-defined circadian rhythm, as measured by the fluorescence of cells stained with acridine orange. The maximum RNA was found at CT 18 and was followed by a sharp drop in RNA content. The rhythm in RNA content could be phase-shifted by light in the same way as the rhythm in bioluminescence. Ribosomal RNA synthesis, as measured by the incorporation of32P into extracted RNA, was also rhythmic. New RNAs appeared at CT 18, as shown by acrylamide/agarose gel electrophoresis. Three to four hours later these RNAs had disappeared. These findings suggest a role of transcription in the expression of circadian rhythmicity inGonyaulax.
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Abbreviations
- CT :
-
circadian time, 24 h with 00 as the beginning of light phase
- DTT :
-
dithiothreitol
- EDTA :
-
ethylenediamine tetraacetate
- SDS :
-
sodium dodecyl sulfate
- hnRNA :
-
heterogeneous nuclear RNA
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Walz, B., Walz, A. & Sweeney, B.M. A circadian rhythm in RNA in the dinoflagellate,Gonyaulax polyedra . J Comp Physiol B 151, 207–213 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00689920
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00689920