Chapter 6.5, Problem 2CYU

Discuss the location and activation of olfactory receptors and how the brain distinguishes tens of thousands of odours from 1,000 or fewer receptor proteins.

Describe olfactory neurons and explain how airbornemolecules can stimulate action potentials in olfactorynerves

Explain how cadherin molecules aid hearing and the process of mechano-electrical coupling in cochlear hair cells.

Describe the functioning of taste buds.

What role do basal cells play in taste buds?

Connoisseurs can recognize many varieties of cheese or wine by “tasting.” How can they do so when there are only a few types of taste receptors?

Many odorant molecules are highly hydrophobic and concentrate within the olfactory epithelium. They would give a persistent signal independent of their concentration in the environment if they were not rapidly modified. Propose a mechanism for converting hydrophobic odorants into watersoluble derivatives that can be rapidly eliminated.

Trace a sensory impulse from a taste receptor to thecerebral cortex.

Fill in the blank:  Substances that stimulate taste cells seem to bind with _______________________ sites on the surfaces of taste hairs.