Related Experiment Videos
Ultraviolet photoreception in mantis shrimp
T W Cronin1, N J Marshall, C A Quinn
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland Baltimore County 21228.
Vision Research
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Mantis shrimp retinas possess UV-sensitive photoreceptors in their eighth retinular cells (R8). These photoreceptors, crucial for UV vision, have spectral sensitivity peaking at 345 nm, suggesting a unique photopigment.
Area of Science:
- Vision science
- Animal photoreception
- Mantis shrimp biology
Background:
- Mantis shrimp retinas contain UV-sensitive photoreceptors across all regions.
- UV photosensitivity is localized to the rhabdomeres of the eighth retinular cell (R8).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectral sensitivity and photopigment characteristics of UV photoreceptors in mantis shrimp.
- To understand the functional role of UV vision in mantis shrimp ecology.
Main Methods:
- Examined spectral sensitivity of UV photoreceptors in various retinal regions and species.
- Analyzed photopigment absorption spectra and potential UV-absorbing overlays.
- Investigated polarization sensitivity in relation to microvilli orientation.
Main Results:
- UV photoreceptor spectral sensitivity peaks at 345 nm, indicating a photopigment with lambda max near 325 nm.
- A UV-absorbing overlay likely modifies sensitivity below 350 nm.
- R8 rhabdomeres contain photopigments absorbing maximally below 340 nm, with potential for a 460 nm metapigment.
- Polarization sensitivity is maximal when light's e-vector aligns with microvilli in R8.
Conclusions:
- Mantis shrimp possess specialized UV photoreceptors with unique spectral properties.
- UV vision may enhance contrast for detecting midwater prey or predators.
- The R8 cell's photopigment and overlying structures are key to UV sensitivity and polarization detection.