Cryptochromes

**Definition:** Flavoproteins that function as circadian rhythm signaling proteins in ANIMALS and as blue-light photoreceptors in PLANTS. They are structurally-related to DNA PHOTOLYASES and it is believed that both classes of proteins may have originated from an earlier protein that played a role in protecting primitive organisms from the cyclical exposure to UV LIGHT.

**Tree numbers:** - D12.644.360.138.150 - D12.776.331.180 - D12.776.476.156.250 - D12.776.765.593.500

**Synonyms:** - Cryptochrome Proteins - Cryptochrome