Photopigment
Photopigment
Photopigment (/ˈfoʊtoʊˌpɪɡmənt/), derived from the Greek words phōs (light) and pigmentum (coloring matter), is a type of pigment found in the photoreceptor cells of the retina that is responsible for the conversion of light into electrical signals. This process is known as phototransduction.
Function
Photopigments are integral to the process of vision. They absorb light and initiate a change in the structure of the photopigment molecule, which leads to a series of chemical reactions that result in an electrical signal. This signal is then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, where it is interpreted as visual information.
Types
There are several types of photopigments, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light. These include:
- Rhodopsin: Found in rod cells, rhodopsin is sensitive to low levels of light and is responsible for night vision.
- Iodopsin: Found in cone cells, iodopsin is sensitive to higher levels of light and is responsible for color vision.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Photopigment
- Wikipedia's article - Photopigment
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