Rhodopsin is a light-sensitive protein found in the photoreceptor cells of the retina, specifically in the rods. It plays a crucial role in vision, particularly in low-light conditions. When light hits rhodopsin, it undergoes a chemical change that triggers a series of reactions, ultimately sending signals to the brain to create visual images. This protein is made up of a chromophore called retinal, which is bound to a protein called opsin. The conversion of retinal from its inactive form to an active form initiates the process of phototransduction, allowing us to perceive light and dark.