Rhodopsin

Rhodopsin is a light-sensitive protein found in the retina's rod cells, essential for vision in low-light conditions. It consists of a pigment molecule called retinal, bound to a protein called opsin. When light hits rhodopsin, retinal changes shape, triggering a chemical reaction that sends signals to the brain, helping us see in darkness. Rhodopsin's ability to detect faint light makes it vital for night vision, and its function is a key part of how our eyes adapt to different lighting environments.