Rod+Cells+-+JB

Rod Cellstoc =** Introduction: **=

Imagine that you are in bed, surrounded by pitch black light. As you start to glance around, you pick up vague forms of objects and light sources. Have you ever wondered how you can see in the dark? Rod cells are cells within your retina. Rod cells are important because they are specialized to help bring you the clearest possible image in the dark. Without rod cells, you would not see in the dark. Rod cells are important because they only see in black and white and are specialized to see in the dark. WIthout rod cells, there would be no electrical impulses sent to your brain and optic nerve to help see in the dark. media type="youtube" key="_ElAuQyw4uA" width="560" height="315" = = =** What diseases affect rod cells? **= There are 3 main diseases that have an affect on rod cells. The three main details are glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and cone dytostraphy. **Glaucoma** is a vision disorder caused by buildup. Proper draining of fluids is affected which causes pressure on the retina, where rods are found. Did you know that **RP** is a disease of the retina that specifically affects rod cells? Gradually, vision is lost from this disease which can eventually lead to blindness. Lastly, **cone dystrophy**, which affects cone cells, is mostly found in adults. Since rod cells are inside the retina with cone cells, some rods may be affected along with the cone cells. This picture shows how rods in the retina are affected by RP (retinitis pigmentosa)

=** How do Rods and Cones Work Together? **=

Cones and rods are alike in several ways. Both cells are found in the retina. Also, rods and cones convert light energy into electrical impulses. For example, “These rods and cones are arranged in such a way as to produce the best possible light and day vision" said a scientist from Basher Science. However, cone cells detect colors only in bright light. On the other hand, rods only see black and white in the dark.

This is a compare and contrast chart of the functions of rod and cone cells

=** What are Structures of the Rod Cell That Help It Do It’s Job? **= Rod cells are tiny nerves with endings. Rods contain rhodopsin in them that help them work. **Rhodopsin** is a photosensitive chemical that is found in the cell membrane of the rod cell. These structures help rod cells send an image to the brain. The following flowchart shows what happens when a rod cells activates rhodopsin.



= = = What are Ways That Rod Cells Perceive Light? =

Rods only see in sensitive light. Interesting Fact: Rods see images upside down, but the brain flips the image around. When light shines onto rhodopsin, it is broken into two proteins. A process called bleaching also happens. **Bleaching** is an action that is detected in a brain. The following diagram shows how an image is s ent to the brain.



This diagram shows how an image is sent to the brain.

In conclusion, rod cells are important to the eye because they are responsible for detecting light and sending information to your brain. "It is a very specialized cell that's able to able to take in light in convert it into a neural impulse" said a professor on Khan Academy. Without rod cells, there would be no electrical impulses sent to your brain and optic nerve. Furthermore, rods also see images in dim light, and help bring the clearest possible image. Rods are important to be aware of since they play a huge role in helping you see.
 * Conclusion: What Would Happen If Eyes Didn’t Have Rod Cells? **

This picture shows the important parts of a rod cell that help it bring an image to the eye

= Works Cited  =

Dartt, Darlene A., ed. Encyclopedia of Science. N.p.: Elsevier B.V, 2010. Print.

“The Eye, Focusing Images, and Structure.” Science Aid. N.p., 9 May 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2016. .

“Eyes and Vision.” Inner Body. Inner Body, 2015. Web. 26 Feb. 2016. .

Human Biology. N.p.: Basher Science, n.d. Print.

“The Human Eye.” Kids Info Bits. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2016.

Michigan, University Of, ed. Cone Dytostraphy. NORD. National Organization for Rare Disorders, 2015. Web. 26 Feb. 2016. . Sahyouni., Ronald. Vision: Photoreceptors (Rods vs Cones). khanacademymedicine. Khan Academy, 17 Sept. 2013. Web. 9 Mar. 2016. .