Chapter U2.48, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation : What constitutes a receptor site is to be described.

Concept Introduction : One can smell molecules that are small or medium sized and can travel as a gas. These molecules reach the nose. Once they are inside our nose, they interact with the receptor sites, which then send the signal to the brain.

Answer to Problem 1TAI

The receptor sites in our nose are made of proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of our body including organs, muscles and hair. They are macromolecules formed from long chains of amino acids. Smell receptor sites are protein molecules that have pockets that fit to a particular smell of a molecule.

Explanation of Solution

Smell receptor sites are made of proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of our body including organs, muscles and hair. They are made of amino acids. The R groups on amino acids determine the structure of proteins. The hydrophobic R groups tend to cluster in the middle of the molecule while the hydrophilic R groups tend to be on the outside of the molecule and near the aqueous environment.

Smell receptor sites are protein molecules that have pockets that fit to a particular smell of the molecule. When the smell molecule attaches to the pocket, it changes the structure of the protein a little. This change triggers the neighboring protein molecule which sends signal to the brain.

Conclusion

Smell receptor sites are made of proteins. Proteins are building blocks of our body such as organs, hair and muscles.They are essential in all living organisms. They help in fighting off infections by helping the immune system.