Molecular Genetics of Human Color Vision: The Genes Encoding Blue, Green, and Red Pigments

1986/04/11 by Jeremy Nathans, Darcy Thomas, David S. Hogness · 17 citations
Neuroscience · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Nursing · #Photoreceptor and optogenetics research #Retinal Development and Disorders #Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques

paper · doi:10.1126/science.2937147

openalex publication_date 1986/04/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

Human color vision is based on three light-sensitive pigments. The isolation and sequencing of genomic and complementary DNA clones that encode the apoproteins of these three pigments are described. The deduced amino acid sequences show 41 +/- 1 percent identity with rhodopsin. The red and green pigments show 96 percent mutual identity but only 43 percent identity with the blue pigment. Green pigment genes vary in number among color-normal individuals and, together with a single red pigment gene, are proposed to reside in a head-to-tail tandem array within the X chromosome.

Citations

• A simple method for displaying the hydropathic character of a protein
• Molecular Genetics of Inherited Variation in Human Color Vision

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