Question

In a human eye, there are three types of cones that allow us to see colors. the three different types are most sensitive to red, green, and blue light, respectively. all three contain retinal bonded to a large protein. the way that retinal bonds to the protein can change the length of the potential well within which the electrons are confined. how would the length have to change from that given in the introduction to make the molecule more sensitive to blue or red light? view available hint(s)

Answer 1

The answer is ‘the molecule would have to be longer to be more sensitive to red light and shorter to be more sensitive to blue light.’The cones change shape and vary their length once they absorb a photon. This change is transduced, through biochemical pathways, into nerve impulse and carried to the brain.