Mechanisms of Infrared Detection by Boid and Crotalid Snakes
Abstract
This project made excellent progress toward most of the goals outlined in the original proposal, as well as several new goals that arose since the inception of this project. Many of the technical aspects of the proposal, which were at first separate methods for analyzing distinct issues are now increasingly working together to answer questions that cannot be answered by a single technique alone. The biochemical investigation of infrared signal absorption and transduction is proceeding well. Our biochemical analysis of their infrared receptor terminals has revealed distinct biochemical differences between these cells and retinal photoreceptors. The results indicate that the IR receptors are not simply modified photoreceptors, one of the major hypotheses we originally set out to test. The data also point toward identified chemical components of the signal transduction pathway, and indicate that calcium, acting through calcium-binding proteins, is one of those components.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA380143
Entities
People
- Michael S. Grace
Organizations
- University of Virginia