retinene

/ ˈrɛtɪnəl, ˈrɛtɪˌniːn /

noun

the aldehyde form of the polyene retinol (vitamin A) that associates with the protein opsin to form the visual purple pigment rhodopsin

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Word History and Origins

Origin of retinene¹

C20: from _retina + _-ene

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The rhodopsin divides into retinene and opsin.

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When this mixture is placed in the dark, the enzymes convert the vitamin A to retinene, a yellow pigment.

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Then the retinene combines with the opsin to form bright red rhodopsin.

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The retinene reverts to vitamin A. This is just what happens when light shines into a dark-adapted eye: the rhodopsin in the rods is suddenly decomposed.

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retinal scan retinite

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