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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures is present in both rods and cones in the human retina?
A
High concentration of rhodopsin only
B
Nucleus located in the inner segment only in cones
C
Outer segment containing photopigments
D
Synaptic terminal unique to rods
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Rods and cones are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the human eye. They are responsible for detecting light and converting it into neural signals. Both rods and cones share some structural similarities but also have unique features.
Identify the key structural components of photoreceptor cells: Both rods and cones have an outer segment, an inner segment, a cell body with a nucleus, and a synaptic terminal. The outer segment is where photopigments are located, which are essential for light detection.
Clarify the role of photopigments: Photopigments are light-sensitive molecules that absorb light and initiate the phototransduction process. Rhodopsin is the photopigment found in rods, while cones have different photopigments sensitive to specific wavelengths of light (red, green, or blue).
Analyze the options: The outer segment containing photopigments is a structure present in both rods and cones. Other options, such as 'high concentration of rhodopsin only,' are specific to rods, and 'nucleus located in the inner segment only in cones' is incorrect because the nucleus is present in both cell types but not in the inner segment.
Conclude: The correct answer is 'Outer segment containing photopigments,' as this structure is shared by both rods and cones and is critical for their function in light detection.