The rods and cones of a vertebrate retina function to :

Options

A. focus light
B. transduce light
C. amplify light
D. filter light

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding the Components**: The rods and cones are specialized photoreceptor cells located in the retina of vertebrates. Rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions, while cones are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light.

2. **Function of Rods and Cones**: The primary function of rods and cones is to convert (or transduce) light into electrical signals. This process is known as phototransduction.

3. **Photopigments**: Rods contain a photopigment called rhodopsin, while cones contain different types of photopigments that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light (color).

4. **Mechanism of Action**: When light hits these photopigments, it causes a chemical change that leads to the generation of an electrical signal. This signal is then transmitted to the bipolar cells and ganglion cells in the retina, which further relay the information to the brain via the optic nerve.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the rods and cones function to **transduce light** into neural signals, allowing the brain to interpret visual information.