Question

The purplish red pigment rhodopsin contained in the rod type of photoreceptor cells of the human eye, is a derivative of

A. Vitamin A

B. Vitamin B

C. Vitamin C

D. Vitamin D

Answer 1

Rhodopsin, commonly known as visual purple, is a phototransduction-related light-sensitive receptor protein. Rhodopsin is a G-protein-coupled receptor that can be found in the rods of the retina (GPCR). It's part of a family of photoswitchable opsins.

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Complete answer:**

Retinol is the chemical term of vitamin A. Vitamin A is very much necessary for the functioning of eyes. The rhodopsin is derived from vitamin A that is retinol.

Moreover, It is a fat-soluble vitamin and commonly found in milk, egg, cod liver oil, green leafy vegetables, liver of fishes etc. Deficiency of vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry skin etc.

So, the correct answer is option (A), Vitamin A.

Additional information:

- Niacin is the chemical term of vitamin B. The common sources are brown rice, barley, millet, red meat, fish, milk, cheese etc. deficiency of this vitamin can cause megaloblastic anaemia.

- Ascorbic acid is the chemical term of vitamin C. The main sources of vitamin C are sour fruits like lemon, orange etc. deficiency of this vitamin can cause bleeding of gums, problems in teeth, scurvy etc.

- Calciferol is the chemical term of vitamin D. The main source of vitamin D is sunlight. Deficiency of this vitamin can cause ricket in children and osteomalacia in adults.

Note: Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat soluble vitamins and vitamin C and B complexes are water soluble vitamins. Vitamin K helps in blood clotting and vitamin E helps in lactation. The vitamin B complexes are B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (Biotin), B12 and Folic acid.