Exam2: Smell

Question 1

The sensory cells of smell are what?

Answer 1

olfactory receptors, which are true neurons found at the top of the nasal cavity

Question 2

Describe mechanism of smell:

Answer 2

1. Odorant binds to membrane protein (GPCR) in neuron membrane>>
2. binding of odorant activates receptor>>
3. >> neural impulse to olfactory cortex

Question 3

Olfactory receptors bind odorants based on the odorant’s what?

Answer 3

SHAPE

Olfactory receptors bind odorants based on the odorant’s shape

Question 4

Stronger binding of odorant is conveyed via what?

Answer 4

Stronger binding of odorant is conveyed via higher AP frequency

Question 5

The brain interprets a particular smell at any one time as a combination of

Answer 5

The brain interprets a particular smell at any one time as a combination of

1. The particular olfactory receptors that become activated
2. the degree to which each receptor neuron becomes activated

A particular odorant may bind to multiple olfactory receptors

Question 6

Draw diagram of mechanism of smell

Answer 6