Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Iridophores are specialized pigment cells found in some invertebrates that reflect light, producing iridescent colors. They contain crystalline structures that can manipulate light wavelengths to create vibrant visual effects.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Iridophores are commonly found in molluscs and annelids within the superphylum Lophotrochozoa.
These cells contain platelets made of guanine or other purines that help in reflecting light.
Iridophores play a crucial role in camouflage, communication, and predator deterrence by creating shifting colors.
Unlike chromatophores that absorb light to produce color, iridophores reflect specific wavelengths of light.
The structural arrangement within iridophores can be altered to change the intensity and color of the reflected light.
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Related terms
Chromatophore: Pigment-containing and light-reflecting cell found in a wide range of animals capable of changing color.
Melanophore: A type of chromatophore that contains melanin, which gives an animal a darker appearance.
Photophore: A specialized structure found in some marine animals used to produce bioluminescence through chemical reactions.