Retinaldehyde

A diterpene derived from the carotenoid VITAMIN A which functions as the active component of the visual cycle. It is the prosthetic group of RHODOPSIN (i.e., covalently bonded to ROD OPSIN as 11-cis-retinal). When stimulated by visible light, rhodopsin transforms this cis-isomer of retinal to the trans-isomer (11-trans-retinal). This transformation straightens-out the bend of the retinal molecule and causes a change in the shape of rhodopsin triggering the visual process. A series of energy-requiring enzyme-catalyzed reactions convert the 11-trans-retinal back to the cis-isomer.

Also Known As:

Retinal; Retinene; Vitamin A Aldehyde; 11-cis-Retinal; 11 cis Retinal; 11 trans Retinal; Aldehydde, Retinyl; Aldehyde, Vitamin A; all trans Retinal; 11-trans-Retinal; 3,7- dimethyl- 9- (2,6,6- trimethyl- 1- cyclohexen- 1- yl)- 2,4,6,8- Nonatetraenal; Axerophthal; Retinyl Aldehydde; all-trans-Retinal

Organic Chemicals: 133
- Aldehydes: 2153
  - Retinaldehyde: 50138
- Hydrocarbons: 1713
  - Terpenes: 1461
    - Carotenoids: 4095
      - Retinoids: 5957
        Retinaldehyde: 50138
    - Diterpenes: 1470
      - Retinaldehyde: 50138
  - Cyclic Hydrocarbons: 97
    - Alicyclic Hydrocarbons: 1
      - Cycloparaffins: 6
        Cyclohexanes: 3
        Cyclohexenes: 4
        Carotenoids: 4095
        Retinoids: 5957
        Retinaldehyde: 50138
  - Acyclic Hydrocarbons
    - Alkenes: 265
      - Polyenes: 164
        Carotenoids: 4095
        Retinoids: 5957
        Retinaldehyde: 50138
Biological Factors: 2472
- Biological Pigments: 1
  - Carotenoids: 4095
    - Retinoids: 5957
      - Retinaldehyde: 50138

3-methyl-5-(1-pyryl)-2,4-pentadienal

Bio-Agent Context: Research Results