Question

Tasting involves many different cell-signaling processes that ultimately generate nerve signals transduced by membrane depolarization. Sweet tastes result in PIP2 hydrolysis, while salty tastes allow sodium ions to directly alter the membrane potential. What can you deduce about the signaling mechanisms for sweet and salty?

Choose one or more:

A. Sweet ligands bind to and close sodium channels, which starts a membrane potential.
B. Sodium ions directly enter the cells, indicating the signal is transduced by an ion channel.
C. Sweet and salty signaling pathways use the same taste receptor molecule, but with different efficacy on the sweet and salty taste center in the brain.
D. Sweet utilizes the GPCR signaling pathway, activating phospholipase C.

Answer 1

B. Sodium ions directly enter the cells, indicating the signal is transduced by an ion channel.

D. Sweet utilizes the GPCR signaling pathway, activating phospholipase C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The taste received by the taste buds is processed through different channels

a) The Sweet, bitter, and umami tastes are transduced by the GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptors) signaling pathway

b) Sour taste reaches the taste bud through the acidification of acid-sensitive membrane proteins with in the taste cell

c) The epithelial sodium channels in the renal tissues directly takes up the salty taste

Hence, option B and D are correct