Chapter U2.14, Problem 3E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The smell of an active ingredient in muscle ointment needs to be determined. The method by which nose can detect the smell needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Muscle ointment is used to relief muscle pain. One active ingredient in muscle ointment is menthol.

Answer to Problem 3E

Menthol has smell of mint. When the secondary alcohol molecule (menthol) binds with nasal receptor then our nose detects the smell.

Explanation of Solution

Our nose has various types of receptors. Menthol which is a secondary cyclic alcohol, present in muscle ointment reaches to the nasal receptor and binds stereospecifically. This creates a nerve impulse which is carried by olfactory nerve to brain where recognition of the smell takes place.

Conclusion

Menthol is present in muscle ointment which is responsible for the smell of mint.