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The Nature of the Photoreceptor in Phototaxis

  • Chapter
Principles of Receptor Physiology

Part of the book series: Handbook of Sensory Physiology ((SENSORY,volume 1))

Abstract

It is a common and ancient observation that most organisms change their direction of movement when the pattern of light falling on them is changed. If this change in light pattern induces and determines a new orientation of the whole organism, the process is termed ‘‘phototaxis”. The response is mediated by a change in the motor processes of the organism, and is typified by the swimming of small organisms toward or away from the light. In rooted plants a change in light pattern may determine reorientation of a part of the plant with respect to the light; this is called “phototropism”, and it is mediated by a change in the pattern of growth.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medford, Mass, USA

    Mary Ella Feinleib & George M. Curry

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  1. Mary Ella Feinleib
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  2. George M. Curry
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  1. Department of Physiology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, 10032, USA

    W. R. Loewenstein

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Feinleib, M.E., Curry, G.M. (1971). The Nature of the Photoreceptor in Phototaxis. In: Loewenstein, W.R. (eds) Principles of Receptor Physiology. Handbook of Sensory Physiology, vol 1. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65063-5_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65063-5_13

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