JCAT Independent Practice Exam 2025 - Free JCAT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The type of visual receptors responsible for processing color is cones. Cones are photoreceptor cells located in the retina of the eye and are primarily responsible for color vision as well as visual acuity in well-lit conditions. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light corresponding to red, green, and blue. This trichromatic processing enables us to perceive a wide range of colors through the combination of signals received from these cones.

In contrast, rods are another type of photoreceptor that are more sensitive to light but do not detect color. They are primarily responsible for vision in low light conditions and peripheral vision. Ganglion cells and bipolar cells are part of the neural circuitry in the retina that process visual information but do not directly detect light or color themselves; instead, they relay signals from rods and cones to the brain. Thus, cones are specifically designated for color vision, making them the correct choice in this context.