Visual phototransduction in invertebrates like the fruit fly differs from that of vertebrates, described up to now. The primary basis of invertebrate phototransduction is the PI(4,5)P cycle. Here, light induces the conformational change into rhodopsin and converts it into meta-rhodopsin. This helps in dissociation of G-protein complex. Alpha sub-unit of this complex activates the PLC enzyme (PLC-beta) which hydrolyze the PIP2 into DAG. This hydrolysis leads to opening of TRP channels and influx of calcium.
Invertebrate photoreceptor cells differ morphologically and physiologically from their vertebrate counterparts. Visual stimulation in vertebrates causes a hyperpolarization (weakening) of the photoreceptor membrane potential, whereas invertebrates experience a depolarization with light intensity. Single-photon events produced under identical conditions in invertebrates differ from vertebrates in time course and size. Likewise, multi-photon events are longer than single-photon responses in invertebrates. However, in vertebrates, the multi-photon response is similar to the single-photon response. Both phyla have light adaptation and single-photon events are smaller and faster. Calcium plays an important role in this adaptation. Light adaptation in vertebrates is primarily attributable to calcium feedback, but in invertebrates cyclic AMP is another control on dark adaptation.