Biochemistry of Vision

Book excerpt: Biochemistry of Vision provides information pertinent to vision biochemistry. This book discusses the biochemical information derived primarily from studies on nonocular tissues and describes the biochemical reactions related to the function of the retina and pigmented epithelium. Organized into 16 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the visual system and the structure of the vertebrate eye. The text then proceeds with a discussion of photoreceptor, which has a highly membranous structure. Other chapters cover a brief discussion of several topics, including biomembranes, photochemistry, spectral properties of retinal isomers, and the photochemical properties of the chromophore of rhodopsin. This book discusses as well the properties and intramembrane disposition of rhodopsin. The final chapter deals with the biochemistry of photoreceptor disorders and summarizes the basic knowledge on neurotransmitters and electrophysiology in the retina. This book is intended for ophthalmologists and medical students who are interested in the molecular aspects of photoreceptor diseases.