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Photoreceptors of a cyprinid fish, the roach: morphological and spectral characteristics

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Summary

Structure-function studies were undertaken on cones in the retina of the cyprinid fish, the roach,Rutilus rutilus, in order to provide a basis for analysis of colour information by post-receptoral neurones. Measurements were made with two main aims: (i) To determine by microspectrophotometry the absorbance spectra of the photopigments present within the retina, and correlate these with the morphological types of photoreceptor; (ii) To characterize the morphologies of the photoreceptors at both light and electron microscopical levels and determine their relative abundance in the retina. In addition to red-, green-, and blue-sensitive cones, an ultra-violet-sensitive photoreceptor has been found in a sub-population of miniature short single cones. Possible relevance of this finding to vertebrate vision is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Imperial College, University of London, SW7 2BB, London, UK

    J. E. G. Downing & M. B. A. Djamgoz

  2. School of Biological Sciences, Queen Mary College, University of London, E1 4NS, London, UK

    J. K. Bowmaker

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  1. J. E. G. Downing
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  2. M. B. A. Djamgoz
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  3. J. K. Bowmaker
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Downing, J.E.G., Djamgoz, M.B.A. & Bowmaker, J.K. Photoreceptors of a cyprinid fish, the roach: morphological and spectral characteristics. J. Comp. Physiol. 159, 859–868 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00603739

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