Redefining the role of rhodopsin in vision

Rhodopsin is an interesting and complex molecule. It was defined conceptually in the 1930 s. It has been defined technically since the mid 1950 s. In recent times, it has been elucidated in detail via the genetic code. Except for detailing the two sugars shown in the box on the right, Crouch Ma 16 have provided a detailed description of the 

16Crouch, R. Ma, X-J. (2000) The role of Vitamin A in visual transduction In Livrea, M. ed. Vitamin A and Retinoids An Update.. . Berlin Birkhauser Verlag pp 59-72, pg 61 

17Dratz, E. Hargrave, P. (1983) The structure ofrhodopsin and the rod outer segment disk membrane TIBS, pp 128-131 

The rapid expansion of the chemical knowledge base during the last fifty years offers an alternate description of the photodetection process in vison. The mechanisms involved in vision are not normally discussed even in upper level college textbooks because of their limited general utility. To completely understand the very sophisticated design of the visual system, relative to man s current knowledge, the serious investigator must look to the specialty literature. Key niches to explore are, 

The roles of these three niches are explored in this chapter and Chapters 4 8. With their contribution to the knowledge base, the operation of the photodetection process ofvisioncanbe explained without employing any cratches. 

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