Rhodopsins are light-sensitive proteins found in the photoreceptor cells of the retina, primarily in the eyes of vertebrates. They play a crucial role in the process of vision by absorbing light and initiating a biochemical cascade that ultimately leads to the perception of images. Rhodopsins contain a chromophore called retinal, which changes shape when exposed to light, triggering the signaling pathway. In addition to their role in vision, rhodopsins are also found in various microorganisms, where they function as light-driven ion pumps or sensors. These proteins are part of a larger family known as G-protein coupled receptors, which are involved in various cellular signaling processes. Rhodopsins are essential for both vision and the regulation of light responses in different organisms.