11-cis-retinal
Light-sensing chromophore compound
11-cis-retinal is the light-sensitive molecule in the retina that makes vision possible.
When light strikes it, the molecule changes shape (to all-trans-retinal), triggering a nerve signal to the brain.
This conversion is the first step in seeing.
The molecule derives from vitamin A, which is why vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness.
- photopigmentsphotopigments, chromophore
- carotenoidsbeta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, carotene, carotenes
- Vision Cellsphotoreceptors, photoreceptor, rods, cones, rod cells