photoreception

n.
The detection, absorption, and use of light, as for vision in animals or phototropism and photosynthesis in plants.

photoreceptive pho'to·re·cep'tive adj.

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The process of absorption of light energy by plants and animals and its utilization for biologically important purposes. In plants photoreception plays an essential role in photosynthesis and an important role in orientation. Photoreception in animals is the initial process in vision. See also Photosynthesis; Vision.

The photoreceptors of animals are highly specialized cells or cell groups which are light-sensitive because they contain pigments which are unstable in the presence of light of appropriate wavelengths. These light-sensitive receptor pigments absorb radiant energy and then undergo physicochemical changes, which lead to the initiation of nerve impulses that are conducted to the central nervous system. See also Eye (invertebrate); Eye (vertebrate).

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(fō'tō-rĭ-sĕp'shən)
n.

The detection, absorption, and use of light, as for vision in animals or phototropism and photosynthesis in plants.

pho'to·re·cep'tive (-tĭv) adj.

Perception of light waves which are in the range of visible light.