E N D
The transduction of light by the rod membrane involves a second messenger mechanism. The first messenger is really the light hitting opsin. Opsin acts as the receptor by activating the G-protein (transducin). Transducin activates the effector protein (phosphodiesterase or PDE) and PDE INactivates the second messenger cGMP. Inactivation removes cGMP from the Na channels and they close, hyperpolarizing the cell membrane, causing the receptor potential, and “activating” the rod. The rod then stops releasing glutamate, allowing the bipolar cell membrane to reach its threshold. (use the vertical slide bar to the right to move between the two slides in this presentation)