Shifting the Phase of the Circadian Rhythm in Bioluminescence in Gonyaulax with Vanillic Acid

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Abstract
Exposure for 4 h to vanillic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid) caused large delay phase shifts (5-6 h) in the circadian rhythm of bioluminescence in G. polyedra, when assayed at either 10-14 circadian time or 22 to 02 circadian time in constant light and temperature, provided that the pH of the medium was 7.1 or lower. Corresponding changes in the pH with acetic acid did not shift phase. Vanillic acid caused detectable depolarization of the membranes of Gonyaulax, as demonstrated with the cyanine dye fluorescence technique.