Photoreceptor Evolution and Function

This work summarizes current knowledge of photoreceptor evolution and discusses recent research into the parallel evolution of photoreceptors in bacteria, algae, fungi, higher plants, arthropods, fish, birds and mammals. It stresses the fundamental similarity between photoreceptor molecules in plants and animals. Photoreceptor diversity and properties are considered first, and subsequent chapters expand upon the structure, mode of action and function of molecules, such as flavins, carotenoids, chlorophyll, haem porphyrins, phytochrome, phycobilins and visual pigments.