Identifying a rhodopsin gene fragment in Erythropsidinium ESTs that is expressed in the retinal body by in situ hybridization, we also show that ocelloids are actually light sensitive photoreceptors. Here, we show that the morphology of the retinal body changed depending on different illumination conditions and the hyalosome manifests the refractile nature. To determine if the ocelloid is functionally photoreceptive, we investigated the warnowiid dinoflagellate Erythropsidinium. The ocelloid has been an evolutionary enigma because of its remarkable resemblance to the multicellular camera-type eye. It contains retina- and lens-like structures called the retinal body and the hyalosome. Takes about 30 minutes to make the model.ĭownload includes: instructions, templates and Powerpoint file.The ocelloid is an extraordinary eyespot organelle found only in the dinoflagellate family Warnowiaceae. Other languages available: Dutch, German, Spanish Includes full colour Powerpoint class presentation! It can be printed in colour, or in mono on coloured or white paper and students can personalise the models with their own eye colour! The model covers the main parts of the eye: outer layer (sclera), middle layer (choroid) and inner layer (retina), cornea, iris, pupil, lens, fovea, optic nerve, ciliary body, suspensory ligaments and blind spot (optic disc).Ī simpler Easy Eye model for younger students is also available. They then use their model to look at the structure of the eye.ĭownload and print as many times as you want - forever at no extra cost! Students make their eye model using the colourful parts working alone or in small groups. Give your students an interactive way to learn about the structure of the human eye.

Eye structure download