The Photosensitive Retinal Pigment System of Gekko gekko

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Abstract
Retinal extracts of Gekko gekko were found to contain two retinene photopigments, one with maximum absorption at about 521 m[mu], the second with a maximum in the region of 478 m[mu]. These pigments were assayed by the method of partial bleaching and their spectral characteristics studied by examining their difference spectra. The 478 m[mu] pigment was present in the extracts as 8 per cent of the total photo-pigment concentration. The two pigment systems were shown to be biochemically independent and to have different properties. Unlike the 521 m[mu] pigment, for example, the 478 m[mu] pigment was found to resist the action of NH2OH and, within the cells, to be unaffected by sucrose solutions. These solutions destroyed or altered the 521 system so that extracts of sucrose-treated retinae were found to contain significantly less 521 photopigment. In digitonin solution the 521 pigment was unaffected by sucrose treatment. Both pigments were extracted from separated, washed outer segments and so are considered to be visual pigments. This dual system accounts for the spectral sensitivity of this gecko as determined by Denton. A search was made, but no evidence was secured for the presence of a photopigment absorbing at longer wavelengths. Electoretinographic data suggest, however, that an elevated sensitivity at longer wavelengths occurs in some geckos so that a continued search is justified for a third photopigment.

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