Cone photoreceptor heterogeneity in the primate retina

Abstract

Human vision commences when light is transduced to a neural signal. In daylight, this occurs predominantly within cone photoreceptors. Does this transduction occur identically for all light inputs? The work in this thesis addresses this question as well as the role of phototransduction in controlling downstream signals in the visual system. Chapter 2 focuses on heterogeneity in the transduction of light across wavelengths due to differences in short-, medium-, and long- wavelength sensitive cone photoreceptors. Chapter 3 elaborates on heterogeneity in transduction of inputs across visual space arising from differences in cones across retinal eccentricity. Chapter 4 begins to explore an instance where cone signals directly control retinal output. Together, this body of work aims to provide an appreciation for heterogeneity in signal transduction within cones throughout the primate retina and link cone properties to both retinal output and perception.