Upper limits to the bleaching of rhodopsin by high intensity flashes

Abstract

Digitonin solutions of cattle rhodopsin are irradiated with intense flashes of various durations. Upper limits to bleaching are found which depend upon (1) the duration of the flash, (2) the temperature of the solution at the time of the flash, (3) the presence or absence of u.v. light in the flash. All flashes bleach no more than ca. 50 per cent at low temperatures and no more than ca. 88 per cent at high temperatures. Empirical equations are presented which describe the maximum bleach possible at various temperatures and it is proposed that these equations may prove helpful to those who wish to estimate the bleaching effectiveness of their flashes. © 1974.