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rhodopsin
rhodopsin (visual purple) The light-sensitive pigment found in the rods of the vertebrate retina. It consists of a protein component, opsin, linked to a nonprotein chromophore, retinal (or retinene), a derivative of vitamin A. Light falling on the rod is absorbed by the retinal, which changes its form and separates from the opsin component; this initiates the transmission of a nerve impulse to the brain. The great sensitivity of rhodopsin allows vision in dim light (night vision). See also dark adaptation.
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"rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-rhodopsin.html "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-rhodopsin.html |
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rhodopsin
rhodopsin The pigment in the rod cells of the retina of the eye, also known as visual purple, consisting of the protein opsin and retinaldehyde, which is responsible for the visual process. In cone cells of the retina the equivalent protein is iodopsin. See vitamin A; dark adaptation; vision.
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DAVID A. BENDER. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. DAVID A. BENDER. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-rhodopsin.html DAVID A. BENDER. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-rhodopsin.html |
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rhodopsin
rhodopsin (visual purple) The visual pigment found in rod cells in the retina of vertebrates. It is composed of a protein, called an opsin, and retinol, and has an absorption maximum at 500 nm.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-rhodopsin.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-rhodopsin.html |
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rhodopsin
rhodopsin (visual purple) (roh-dop-sin) n. a pigment in the retina of the eye consisting of retinal and a protein. The presence of rhodopsin is essential for vision in dim light. See rod.
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"rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-rhodopsin.html "rhodopsin." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-rhodopsin.html |
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rhodopsin
rho·dop·sin / rōˈdäpsən/ • n. a purplish-red light-sensitive pigment present in the retinas of humans and many other animal groups. |
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Cite this article
"rhodopsin." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "rhodopsin." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-rhodopsin.html "rhodopsin." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-rhodopsin.html |
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