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Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...

Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light

Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light

Light plays a significant role in regulating the growth and development of plants. In addition to providing energy for photosynthesis, light provides other important cues to regulate a range of developmental and physiological responses in plants.

Photosystems

Photosystems

Photosystems are multiprotein complexes that form the functional units of photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. They are found embedded in the membrane of tiny sac-like structures called thylakoids placed inside the chloroplast.
Functioning of Photosystems
Photosystems contain many pigment molecules, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, arranged in a particular organization across two domains — the antenna complex and the reaction center. The main aim of the pigment molecules...

Photosystem II

Photosystem II

The multi-protein complex photosystem II (PS II) harvests photons and transfers their energy through its bound pigments to its reaction center, and ultimately to photosystem I (PSI) through the electron transport chain. The pigments responsible for caputirng the light energy in photosystems include chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.
The pigment molecules are arranged across two photosystem domains — the antenna complex and the reaction center. The main aim of the pigment molecules...

The Photochemical Reaction Center

The Photochemical Reaction Center

Reaction centers are pigment-protein complexes that initiate energy conversion from photons to chemical entities. Therefore, photochemical reaction center is a more appropriate term that describes these complexes. The Nobel laureates Robert Emerson and William Arnold provided the first experimental evidence of photochemical reaction centers by demonstrating the participation of nearly 2,500 chlorophyll molecules for the release of just one molecule of oxygen. Despite thousands of photosynthetic...

The Antenna Complex

The Antenna Complex

Plants and other photosynthetic organisms comprise pigments capable of absorption of direct sunlight. These pigments are present in the reaction center - the main site of photochemical reactions as well as in the antenna complex. Under average light conditions, the rate at which reaction center pigments absorb light is far below the electron transport chain's capacity. As a result, the reaction center alone cannot provide enough energy to drive photosynthesis. The photosynthetic efficiency can...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

High-Throughput Analysis of Non-Photochemical Quenching in Crops Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Chlorophyll Fluorometry

High-Throughput Analysis of Non-Photochemical Quenching in Crops Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Chlorophyll Fluorometry

Published on: July 6, 2022

Photoprotection.

Stephan Lautenschlager¹, Hans Christian Wulf, Mark R Pittelkow

¹Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology, Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. stephan.lautenschlager@triemli.stzh.ch

Lancet (London, England)

|August 19, 2007

Summary

Sun protection is crucial for preventing sun damage. While behavioral measures are preferred, sunscreen effectiveness relies heavily on liberal and uniform application, not extended sun exposure.

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Photobiology

Background:

Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, premature aging, and sun sensitivity.
Photoprotection is essential for skin health and cancer prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the role of sunscreens in photoprotection strategies.
To discuss the effectiveness, application, and safety controversies surrounding sunscreens.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on photocarcinogenesis, photoaging, and sunscreen efficacy.
Analysis of factors influencing sunscreen effectiveness, including application quantity and uniformity.
Discussion of societal factors influencing sunscreen use and safety concerns.

Main Results:

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Isolating and Incorporating Light-Harvesting Antennas from Diatom Cyclotella Meneghiniana in Liposomes with Thylakoid Lipids

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Isolating and Incorporating Light-Harvesting Antennas from Diatom Cyclotella Meneghiniana in Liposomes with Thylakoid Lipids

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Behavioral measures like protective clothing and reduced sun exposure are recommended for skin cancer prevention.

Sunscreen effectiveness is significantly dependent on liberal and uniform application.

The sunscreen market offers diverse products, but misuse for prolonged sun exposure is cautioned against.

Conclusions:

Sunscreens are a key component of photoprotection, but should not replace behavioral strategies.
Proper application techniques are critical for maximizing sunscreen efficacy.
Further discussion on sunscreen safety and clinical recommendations is warranted.