Mitochondria as microlenses in the eye – the evolution of an improved camera sensor

Abstract

The neurons of the eye that detect light must be very sensitive. They also need ample energy to continuously signal the light they see, so they contain many mitochondria—however, mitochondria scatter light. In our recent study, we show how evolution has found a way to have the best of both worlds: Why not build mitochondria into a lens that helps, rather than hurts, visual sensitivity?