Responses to single photons in virual cells of limulus

Abstract

1. A system proposed in a previous article as a model of responses of visual cells has been analysed with the purpose of predicting the features of responses to single absorbed photons.2. As a result of this analysis, the stochastic variability of responses has been expressed as a function of the amplification of the system.3. The theoretical predictions have been compared to the results obtained by recording electrical responses of visual cells of Limulus to flashes delivering only few photons.4. Experimental responses to single photons have been tentatively identified and it was shown that the stochastic variability of these responses is similar to that predicted for a model with a multiplication factor of at least twenty-five.5. These results lead to the conclusion that the processes responsible for visual responses incorporate some form of amplification. This conclusion may prove useful for identifying the physical mechanisms underlying the transducer action of visual cells.