XANTHOPSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Xanthopsin is a biochemically active pigment that belongs to the family of carotenoids. It is a yellow-orange, light-absorbing compound found in certain organisms, particularly in the plant and animal kingdoms. Xanthopsin is structurally characterized by its long, conjugated double-bond system, which enables it to efficiently absorb light in the visible spectrum. Its specific absorption properties allow it to interact with light, converting its energy into chemical reactions or transmitting it for various biological functions.
In plants, xanthopsin plays a vital role in photosynthesis. It captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy, which is then used to power the synthesis of carbohydrates. Xanthopsin's absorption spectrum lies in the blue-green region of the visible light spectrum, complementing the absorption of chlorophyll, another pigment involved in photosynthesis.
Xanthopsin is also found in some animal species, notably in the eyes. In animals, xanthopsin is instrumental in the visual perception process. Acting as a light-absorbing component, it is involved in initiating the conversion of light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain, resulting in vision.
Overall, xanthopsin is a pigmented compound found in plants and animals, primarily serving light absorption functions critical for photosynthesis and vision. Its distinctive yellow-orange color and intricate molecular structure contribute to its essential roles in different biological processes related to light-energy conversion and perception.
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Visual yellow the visual purple (rhodopsin) bleached by the action of light.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for XANTHOPSIN
- zanthopsin
- canthopsin
- danthopsin
- santhopsin
- xznthopsin
- xsnthopsin
- xwnthopsin
- xqnthopsin
- xabthopsin
- xamthopsin
- xajthopsin
- xahthopsin
- xanrhopsin
- xanfhopsin
- xanghopsin
- xanyhopsin
- xan6hopsin
- xan5hopsin
- xantgopsin
- xantbopsin
Etymology of XANTHOPSIN
The word "xanthopsin" originates from the combination of two Greek words: "xanthos" (ξανθός) meaning "yellow", and "opsis" (ὄψις) meaning "appearance" or "sight". Xanthopsin refers to a reddish-yellow pigment found in the retinal rod cells of animals, which is involved in the visual perception of light.
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