Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪəpsˌɪn] (IPA) 
Myopsin is a protein found in the retinas of certain animals. This word can be spelled using IPA phonetic transcription as /maɪˈɒpsɪn/. The "myo" portion of the word is pronounced as "my" with a long "o" sound, while the "opsin" portion is pronounced as "op" with a short "o" sound, followed by the "sin" with a short "i" sound. Together, the word is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, sounding like "my-OP-sin".
Myopsin is a noun that refers to a protein found in the eye's photoreceptor cells, specifically in the rods. It is a visual pigment, responsible for the initial steps in the process of vision. Myopsin plays a crucial role in the conversion of light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
The human eye contains two types of photoreceptor cells, rods and cones. Myopsin is predominantly found in the rods, which are responsible for vision in dim light conditions and black and white vision. In bright light, the cones take over and enable color vision. Myopsin is composed of a protein known as opsin and a form of vitamin A called retinal, which combine to form the active visual pigment.
When light enters the eye and strikes the rod cells, it causes a conformational change in the myopsin protein, triggering a cascade of reactions that generate an electrical signal. This signal is then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, ultimately resulting in visual perception.
Mutations or abnormalities in the myopsin protein can lead to visual impairments or conditions such as night blindness. Therefore, understanding the role and function of myopsin is essential in the study of human vision and the development of treatments for visual disorders.
A proteolytic ferment similar in its action to trypsin and existing with the latter in the pancreatic juice.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "myopsin" is derived from two components: "myo-" and "-opsin".
The prefix "myo-" comes from the Greek word "myein", meaning "to shut" or "to squeeze". In scientific terms, it refers to muscles, contraction, or anything related to muscle-related processes.
The suffix "-opsin" also comes from Greek, specifically from the word "opsis", which means "appearance", "sight", or "vision". "-opsin" is commonly used in biology and pharmacology to denote a specific class of proteins found in the eye that are involved in vision.
Therefore, when combined, "myopsin" can be understood as a term relating to a specific protein involved in muscular processes related to vision.
