Rod cells are more sensitive to light compared to which other type of cells?

Rod cells are specialized photoreceptor cells found in the retina that are highly sensitive to light and are primarily responsible for vision in low-light conditions. They contain a photopigment called rhodopsin, which allows them to detect even minimal amounts of light, making them essential for night vision.

In contrast, cone cells are the other type of photoreceptor present in the retina, which are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light conditions. Cone cells have three different types of photopigments that enable them to detect a wide spectrum of colors but are not nearly as sensitive to low light levels as rod cells. Therefore, when comparing the sensitivity to light, rod cells surpass cone cells significantly in dim lighting environments.

This distinct function of rod cells allows for better night vision than that provided by cone cells, making the first choice the correct one. The other options don't accurately reflect the relationship between rod cells and cone cells concerning light sensitivity. For example, the claim that rod cells are just as sensitive as cone cells contradicts the fundamental purpose of each cell type. The reference to nighttime doesn't capture the overall relationship between the two cell types across varying light conditions, as rod cells maintain their advantage in sensitivity regardless of the time of day