Opsin genes, cone photopigments, color vision, and color blindness

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce the molecular structure of the genes encoding the human cone photopigments and their expression in photoreceptor cells. We also consider the consequences that alterations in those genes have on the spectral sensitivity of the photopigments, the cone photoreceptor mosaic, and the perceptual worlds of the color normal and color blind individuals who possess them. Throughout, we highlight areas in which our knowledge is still incomplete.