Fénypigments

Fénypigments, also known as photopigments or light-sensitive pigments, are molecules that undergo a chemical change when exposed to light. This change can trigger a cascade of events within a cell or organism, playing crucial roles in a wide range of biological processes. The most well-known examples are found in the visual systems of animals, where photopigments like rhodopsin and the different cone opsins initiate the process of sight. When light strikes these molecules, their structure alters, leading to a signal that is transmitted to the brain.

Beyond vision, fénypigments are involved in other light-dependent phenomena. In plants, photoreceptors like phytochromes and cryptochromes utilize light to regulate growth, flowering, and circadian rhythms. These pigments absorb specific wavelengths of light, allowing plants to sense their environment and adapt accordingly. Some bacteria and archaea also employ fénypigments for energy production or for navigational purposes. The study of fénypigments is fundamental to understanding how life interacts with light, influencing everything from photosynthesis to sensory perception.