P-II indirectly controls the transcription of the GS gene (glnA). P-II prevents NR-II-catalyzed conversion of NR-I to NR-I-phosphate, the transcriptional activator of glnA. When P-II is phosphorylated, these events are reversed. In nitrogen-limiting conditions, when the ratio of Gln to 2-ketoglutarate decreases, P-II is phosphorylated which allows the deadenylation of glutamine synthetase (GS), thus activating the enzyme. Homotrimer. Phosphorylation dependent on the nitrogen source and spectral light quality. Belongs to the P(II) protein family.