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Activation of Visual Pigment: Chromophore Structure and Function

  • Conference paper
The Molecular Mechanism of Photoreception

Part of the book series: Dahlem Workshop Reports ((DAHLEM LIFE,volume 34))

Abstract

Besides the “classical” chromophores retinal (visual pigment: rhodopsin) and 3-dehydroretinal (visual pigment: porphyropsin), recently a new chromophore has been found in several insect groups: 3-hydroxyretinal (visual pigment: xanthopsin). Evolutionary aspects are considered — the first interaction of light with the photoreceptor must not necessarily take place at the Schiff base-linked chromophore. In many photoreceptors, e.g., of many fly species, light can be absorbed by a sensitizing pigment which then transfers energy (Förster mechanism) to the Schiff base-linked chromophore. This chromophore is then isomerized and leads to excitation of the receptor. The sensitizing pigment in higher flies is identified as 3-hydroxyretinol, and in one more primitive fly species (Simuliid) most likely as retinol. Functional consequences of sensitization are illustrated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Max-Planck-Institut für biologische Kybernetik, 7400, Tübingen 1, F.R. Germany

    K. Kirschfeld

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  1. K. Kirschfeld
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H. Stieve

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© 1986 Dr. S. Bernhard, Dahlem Konferenzen, Berlin

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Kirschfeld, K. (1986). Activation of Visual Pigment: Chromophore Structure and Function. In: Stieve, H. (eds) The Molecular Mechanism of Photoreception. Dahlem Workshop Reports, vol 34. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70444-4_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70444-4_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-70446-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-70444-4

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