Photopigments

Photopigments are special molecules found in the cells of the retina (the light-sensitive layer in your eye) that detect light. They consist of a protein called opsin and a light-absorbing molecule called retinal. When light hits a photopigment, it triggers a chemical change that sends signals to your brain about what you're seeing. These pigments are essential for vision—they allow us to perceive different colors and adjust to various light conditions. Different types of photopigments are responsible for detecting different wavelengths of light, enabling us to see a full spectrum of colors.