The complex circadian system of Gonyaulax polyedra

Circadian oscillations are a fundamental biological property from bacteria to humans. The molecular mechanisms which produce a ca 24-h rhythmicity are still unknown but it has become clear that they are part of the biochemical machinery of the single cell. The cellular circadian system can be favorably studied in single-cell organisms such as the dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra. The complexity of this circadian model system, which consists of at least two circadian oscillators, receives light via two input systems with different spectral sensitivities, and has several feed-back loops between the central oscillator(s) and the environment, is described here.