Photoreceptor Evolution: Ancient ‘Cones’ Turn Out to Be Rods

Feb 19, 2015Current biology : CB

Evolution of light sensors: ancient cone-like cells are actually rods

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Abstract

New evidence suggests that the short 'cones' of jawless sea lampreys may be physiologically equivalent to rods.

  • Vertebrate rod photoreceptors are traditionally believed to have evolved from cone photoreceptors after jawed and jawless fishes diverged.
  • This traditional view is challenged by findings regarding the short 'cones' in sea lampreys.
  • The physiological equivalence of these short 'cones' to rods raises questions about the evolutionary timeline of photoreceptors.

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