Final answer:
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with color-specific receptive fields respond selectively to different colors. Photoreceptors become hyperpolarized in the presence of light, leading to the activation of bipolar cells and stimulation of RGCs, contrary to other sensory receptors that typically become depolarized when activated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the functioning of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their interaction with different types of cells in the eye. More specifically, the question is about cells with receptive fields that are defined by the types of colors they are sensitive to, such as those sensitive to red but not green (R+G-), or vice versa, as well as those sensitive to blue but not yellow (B+Y-), or vice versa.
Within the retina, photoreceptors and bipolar cells behave differently from other sensory receptors in terms of their response to stimuli. In darkness, photoreceptors release neurotransmitters that inhibit bipolar cells. When light is present, photoreceptors become hyperpolarized due to the light-induced change in their membrane potential. This hyperpolarization stops the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter to bipolar cells, allowing them to become active and stimulate the ganglion cells.
Therefore, it is this hyperpolarization of photoreceptors in light that distinguishes them from other sensory cells, which typically become depolarized when they are activated by stimuli.