The researchers said that polychaete worms in the process of adjusting biorhythms is helped by a special protein called cryptochrome, which is activated by light.
At the same time, its activation occurs fully or partially depending on what kind of light falls on the worms – lunar or solar. Moreover, the scientists pointed out that this protein allows these individuals to feel the change of lunar phases.
In the course of their research, experts have investigated the molecular mechanisms of functioning characteristic directly for this species of protein L-Cry, significantly different from other cryptochromes. For this purpose, they involved cryo-electron microscopy, and protein molecules were considered after shock freezing either in complete darkness or under red light to simulate the conditions of its existence.