Histochemical demonstration of a rhodopsin-like substance in the eye of the arrow-worm, Spadella schizoptera (Chaetognatha).
The presumed photoreceptive region of the arrow-worms of the species Sagitta crassa and Spadella schizoptera consists of perforated lamellae which are unique as the photoreceptive structure. The existence of a visual pigment in this region was demonstrated by a histofluorescent technique using Spadella schizoptera, whose presumed photoreceptive region was much larger than in Sagitta crassa. A specific fluorescence, indicative of the presence of retinal-based proteins, appeared only in the perforated lamellar region. The result suggests that the perforated lamellae contain a rhodopsin-like substance and could be the primary photoreceptive site.
Goto
T
T
Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Mie University, Japan.
Yoshida
M
M
D000818:Animals; D005123:Eye / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000032:analysis*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012168:Retinal Pigments / Q000032:analysis*; D012243:Rhodopsin / Q000032:analysis*
D012168:Retinal Pigments; D012243:Rhodopsin