Transducin
Transducin
Transducin (pronounced: tran-S-DUH-sin) is a protein integral to the function of the retina in the eye. It plays a crucial role in the phototransduction pathway, which is the process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the photoreceptor cells.
Etymology
The term 'Transducin' is derived from the Latin word 'transducere', which means 'to lead across' or 'to transfer'. This is reflective of the protein's role in transferring signals across cells.
Function
Transducin is a type of G protein, which are proteins that act as molecular switches inside cells. In the case of transducin, it is activated by light-induced changes in the rhodopsin molecule, a pigment that absorbs light in the photoreceptor cells. Once activated, transducin triggers a series of biochemical reactions that result in a change in the electrical charge of the photoreceptor cell, thereby transmitting a signal to the brain that light has been detected.
Related Terms
- G protein-coupled receptor: A type of protein that transducin interacts with in the phototransduction pathway.
- Rhodopsin: The pigment that absorbs light in the photoreceptor cells and activates transducin.
- Photoreceptor cell: The cells in the retina that detect light and initiate the phototransduction pathway.
- Phototransduction: The process by which light is converted into electrical signals in the photoreceptor cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Transducin
- Wikipedia's article - Transducin
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