rhodopsin

n. a visual pigment associated mainly with function of the retinal rod cells. Rhodopsin consists of the vitamin A aldehyde 11-cis retinal bound to the protein opsin. When activated by light (photons), 11-cis retinal is transformed into all-trans retinal, which detaches from the opsin. This initiates a cascade of events that results in visual transduction. Also called visual purple. See scotopsin; visual cycle.

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Psychology term of the day

November 17th 2024

soft key

in ergonomics, a control key that activates multiple functions depending upon the state of the system. Soft keys are usually mapped to a specific area on the display.