What is rhodopsin?
Rhodopsin is a type of holoprotein encoded by the RHO gene and a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). (1)
Rhodopsin is also known as visual purple. (1)
Rhodopsin is the opsin of the rod cells in the retina and a ligh-sensitive receptor protein that triggers visual phototransduction. (1)
Rhodopsin mediates dim light vision and thus is extremely sensitive to light. (1)
When rhodopsin is exposed to light, it immediately photobleanes. (1)
In humans, rhodopsin is regenerated fully in about 30 minutes, after which the rods are more sensitive. (1)
Rhodopsin is a type of inorganic pigment. (2)
What does rhodopsin do?
Rhodopsin helps the eyes adapt to light changes. (2)
When rhodopsin absorbs a photon, rhodopsin undergoes a conformational change to a state known as metarhodopsin II, which triggers a cascade of biochemical events leading to a nerve impulse being sent to the brain. This is a art of the process known as phototransduction. (2)
What happens if rhodopin is damaged?
Defects in the rhhodopsin gene cause eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and congenital stationary night blindness. (1)
Resources
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodopsin
2. ChatGPT 4, 6/11/2023
