Circadian rhythm data collection with the apple II microcomputer

Abstract
Measurement of persistent circadian rhythms of bioluminescence in the marine dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra has been automated using the Apple II microcomputer. The mechanics of the system are under software control and allow for the measurement of up to 60 different samples for periods of at least 3 weeks, with data points for each sample every 15 min. Experiments are presented showing that 4‐h exposures to streptimidone, a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis on 80s ribosomes, result in phase shifts in the rhythm.