Light perception in ctenophores: laboratory studies and genomics

To find the genes underlying the photosensitivity of Beroidaes, transcriptome and genome-wide data were examined. The Beroidae genome contains three genes that encode opsin proteins that are identical to those found in Lobate (M. leidyi) and Cydippida (Pleurobrachia). Conclusions are drawn on the possibility of these opsins participating in ctenophore photoreception. Opsin types evolved independently in the distinct phylogenetic lineages of ctenophores.