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

December 18th 2024

emulation

n. the ability to comprehend the goal of a model and engage in similar behavior to achieve that goal, without necessarily replicating the specific actions of the model. Emulation facilitates social learning.