Which type of cell in the human retina is primarily responsible for vision in low-light (dim) conditions?

• A. Rod cells
• B. Bipolar cells
• C. Cone cells
• D. Ganglion cells

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the function of each cell type listed in the options. Rod cells are specialized for vision in low-light conditions, while cone cells are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light. Bipolar cells and ganglion cells are involved in transmitting visual signals but are not directly responsible for detecting light.
2. Step 2: Recall that rod cells contain a pigment called rhodopsin, which is highly sensitive to dim light and allows humans to see in low-light conditions.
3. Step 3: Note that cone cells are less sensitive to dim light and are primarily active in bright light conditions, making them unsuitable for low-light vision.
4. Step 4: Bipolar cells and ganglion cells are part of the neural pathway in the retina, transmitting signals from photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) to the brain, but they do not detect light themselves.
5. Step 5: Based on the above information, identify rod cells as the primary type of cell responsible for vision in low-light conditions.