8 - Sensory Aparatus Flashcards
What is the scientific basis for tasting wine?
Tasting wine is a scientific process involving our senses. Through specialized cells and receptors, taste and smell work together to provide a sensory experience when tasting wine.
How do different levels of sensitivity in tasters affect their tasting experience?
Highly sensitive tasters experience very strong sensation from substances like PROP and mint, and are often very passionate about food. Moderately sensitive tasters experience moderate sensations and enjoy many foods. Midly sensitive tasters detect weak or undetectable sensations and are generally less passionate about food flavors.
What role do cranial nerves play in taste sensations?
Cranial nerves carry sensory information back to the brain. The facial nerve affects taste, facial expressions, and secretion of saliva; the flossopharnygeal nerve influences taste and blood pressure; and the vagus nerve affects taste, heart rate, and digestive organs.
Is it true that different areas of the tongue are specialized for different tastes?
No, that theory has been disproven. All taste buds can detect all five tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) and a broader range of flavors.
What are astringent chemicals, and how do they affect our taste experience?
Astringent chemicals like alcohol, tannin, and tartaric acid precipitate lubricating proteins in the mouth, which can create a dry, puckering sensation
What are some genetic polymorphisims that affect taste perception?
Genetic differences in alleles, such as Proline-Alanine at position 49 and Alanine-Valine at position 262, contribute to individual variation in taste sensitivity.
How do toxic substances in plants demonstrate biological variation?
The Castor bean contains ricin,a potent toxin, while Deadly nightshade (belladonna) contains astropine, historically used to dilate pupils but often leading to blindness.
What is the difference between orthonasal and retronasal olfaction?
Orthonasal olfaction refers to smelling through the nostrils, while retronasal olfaction involves detecting aromas through the back of the mouth during eating or drinking.
How does congenital anosmia affect a person’s sensory experience?
People with congenital anosmia lack cilia in their olfactory receptor cells, resulting in no sense of smell, which significantly impacts their perception of taste.
What genetic variation exists in olfactory receptor cells?
There is significant variation, with 178 different alleles found among 189 people, illustrating that smell perception differs widely across individuals.
How do PROP tasters differ in their reactions to bitterness?
PROP tasters experience varying intensities of bitterness. Highly sensitive tasters perceive PROP as very bitter, while mildly sensitive tasters may not detect bitterness at all.
What historical figure is credited with identifiying the senses, and how do these sense contribute to wine tasting?
Aristotle is credited with identifying the sense, which are crucial in wine tasting. Tasting wine relies on the sense of taste and smell, which work together to create the full flavor profile.
How does the quality of a wine glass affect the tasting experience?
The quality of a wine glass can enhance the taste experience by influencing how aromas are concentrated and presented to the nose, impacting the perception of flavor.
What is the role of lubricating proteins in taste perception, and how are they affected by wine components?
Lubricating proteins in the mouth help maintain a smooth feeling. Astringent components in wine, like tannins, can precipitate these proteins, leading to a drying, puckering sensation.
Why is genetic variation in taste and smell perception significant in wine tasting?
Genetic variation, such as different alleles in olfactory receptors, means people experience aromas and flavors uniquely. This variation affects individual wine preferences and perceptions of specific flavors and aromas.
