Taste receptors consist of specific types of proteins incorporated into the plas

Question

Taste receptors consist of specific types of proteins incorporated into the plasma membrane of taste receptor cells, which are clustered together in structures called taste buds. Five different types of taste receptors have been identified in humans. These are salty, sour, sweet, bitter and umami. All five receptor types are present in each taste bud, which are distributed over most of the tongue surface area. Olfactory receptors are located in the nasal cavity and consist of several thousand different types, each type specific for a different type of odorant molecule (ligand).

A) Many different types of molecules are perceived as sweet, including different types of sugars and artificial sweeteners. Provide a molecular explanation for why this is possible, given that there is only one type of “sweet” taste receptor (that we know of!).

B)Think about what it is about proteins that allow ligands to bind to them when answering the following. If you plug your nose, red wine and black coffee taste exactly the same. Explain why this is so.

Explanation / Answer

A) Many different molecules are perceived as sweet. This is because of the effect of differential stimulation of taste receptors present in the same taste bud by these substances.

B) Brain processes the information received both from the tongue and olfactory areas to identify the taste. Therefore, if a person is blindfolded or suffering from common cold, they cannot differentiate the tastes between apple and potato, red wine and black coffee if served at the same temperature.

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