Eyespot

An eyespot (also known as a stigma) is a light-sensitive organelle found in certain unicellular organisms, such as algae and protozoa. The primary function of the eyespot is to detect light intensity and direction, which helps the organism orient itself towards optimal light conditions for photosynthesis.

Structure

The eyespot is typically composed of a small, pigmented region that can absorb light. This region is often associated with a photoreceptor protein that can trigger a cellular response when exposed to light. In Euglena, for example, the eyespot is located near the base of the flagellum and works in conjunction with the photoreceptor to guide the organism towards light sources.

Function

The main function of the eyespot is to enable phototaxis, which is the movement of an organism toward or away from a light source. This is crucial for photosynthetic organisms, as it allows them to maximize their exposure to light, thereby enhancing their ability to produce energy through photosynthesis.

Examples

Euglena

In the genus Euglena, the eyespot is a well-studied example. It is located near the anterior end of the cell and works in conjunction with a flagellum to move the organism towards light.

Chlamydomonas

In the green algae Chlamydomonas, the eyespot is located in the chloroplast and is used to detect light for photosynthesis. The eyespot in Chlamydomonas is also involved in the regulation of the cell's circadian rhythms.

Related Concepts

• Photoreceptor
• Phototaxis
• Photosynthesis
• Unicellular organism
• Algae
• Protozoa

See Also

• Euglena
• Chlamydomonas
• Photoreceptor protein
• Flagellum
• Chloroplast