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The metabolic efficiency of signalling systems in insect retina
Reference
S17986
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Professor Simon Laughlin
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution
University of Cambridge
Department
Zoology
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
189,640
Status
Completed
Type
Research Grant
Start date
01/03/2003
End date
28/02/2006
Duration
36 months
Abstract
We will record from a set of insect photoreceptors that covers a wide range of spatial and temporal resolution, and various adaptations to visual ecology and behaviour. By analysing light-responses and membrane biophysics we will determine the relationships between signal to noise ratio, frequency response, information rate and metabolic cost, and identify the mechanisms that determine these relationships. We will examine two factors that contribute to the energy efficiency of neural systems, the matching of components and, by incorporating measured empirical cost-benefit relationships in models, the efficient distribution of energy resources among the components. A comparison between these energy efficient models and known eyes will indicate the degree to which metabolic costs have constrained the function and evolution of insect retina.
Summary
unavailable
Committee
Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics
X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority
X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative
X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme
X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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