op·sin ( p s n)n. A protein of the retina, especially the protein constituent of rhodopsin, that makes up one of the visual pigments. [Probably back-formation from rhodopsin.] |
opsin [ˈɒpsɪn]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) the protein that together with retinene makes up the purple visual pigment rhodopsin
[back formation from rhodopsin]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | opsin - retinal protein formed by the action of light on rhodopsin protein - any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes; "a diet high in protein" iodopsin - a violet photopigment in the retinal cones of the eyes of most vertebrates; plays a role in daylight vision retinal purple, rhodopsin, visual purple - a red photopigment in the retinal rods of vertebrates; dissociates into retinene by light |
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