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Spectral sensitivity of the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite
The Journal of General Physiology
|April 1, 1971
Summary
Barnacle ocelli spectral sensitivity peaks at 530-540 nm, indicating a single photopigment. Light adaptation broadens spectral sensitivity by altering amplitude-intensity functions.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Sensory physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- The ocellus in crustaceans like barnacles plays a role in light detection.
- Understanding spectral sensitivity is crucial for comprehending visual processing in marine invertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the spectral sensitivity of the barnacle (Balanus amphitrite) ocellus.
- To investigate the photopigment characteristics and adaptation mechanisms within the ocellus.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of extracellular ocellar potential to assess spectral sensitivity.
- Utilizing chromatic adapting lights to study receptor responses.
- Analyzing tapetal fluorescence and corneal transmission to account for optical effects.
Main Results:
- Maximum relative spectral sensitivity was observed between 530-540 nm.
- Evidence suggests the presence of a single photopigment within the ocellar receptors.
- Spectral sensitivity was broader in the dark-adapted state compared to the light-adapted state.
- Light adaptation increased the slope of the amplitude-intensity function, influencing spectral bandwidth.
Conclusions:
- The barnacle ocellus exhibits peak sensitivity in the green-yellow region of the spectrum.
- Ocellar light adaptation involves changes in the amplitude-intensity function, affecting spectral bandwidth.
- Ocellar media have minimal impact on the measured spectral sensitivity.
