Opsins

Definition

Opsins are light-sensitive proteins located in the photoreceptor cells of the retina, playing a crucial role in converting light into electrical signals for visual perception. They bind to retinal, a derivative of vitamin A, to detect different wavelengths of light.

Related terms

Photoreceptor cells: Specialized nerve cells in the retina that convert light into electrical signals which are then processed by the brain as vision.

Retina: The layer at the back of the eyeball containing cells sensitive to light that trigger nerve impulses passed via the optic nerve to the brain, where a visual image is formed.

Visual perception: The process by which stimuli from the environment are received by the eyes and interpreted by the brain to form images, enabling sight