gustation Flashcards
purpose of gustation
identify food
avoid noxious/ toxic substances
choose between food items
allows us to recognise hundreds of taste compounds that vary in chemical composition
what chemicals can we recognise
free protons: H+ and acids
complex organic compounds: sugars and amino acids
all chemicals/ compounds reduce to what 5 tastes?
sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami
where does taste originate? why?
the oral cavity, where taste buds opening is
how many taste cells does each taste bud have?
~100
which cells are taste cells, and which cells are supporting cells
type 1 and 2 are taste cells, type 3 are supporting cells
what are taste bud part of?
the epithelium
where are gustatory receptor proteins found?
the mouth
what is umami
a sensation induced primarily by glutamate
a pleasant savoury taste: meaty, brothy and accentuates other tastes
