Final answer:
The trimeric G-protein in olfactory sensory neurons is a G protein-coupled receptor complex consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits, which plays a critical role in olfactory signal transduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trimeric G-protein identified in olfactory sensory neurons is a G protein-coupled receptor complex that consists of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. When an odorant binds to the receptor in the plasma membrane, a GDP molecule associated with the alpha subunit is exchanged for GTP.
This exchange triggers the dissociation of the beta and gamma subunits from the alpha subunit, leading to a cellular response that is part of the olfactory signal transduction pathway. The hydrolysis of GTP to GDP then terminates the signal, ensuring that the response is temporary and appropriately regulated.
This G protein-coupled mechanism is essential for the detection and processing of olfactory information, allowing us to perceive a vast array of different odors.