Cell-to-cell signaling is used by receptor cells to communicate to the brain the presence of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cell-to-cell signaling is needed to differentiate between sweet, bitter, and umami tastants because these tastants are detected by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on taste receptor cells. These GPCRs activate intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the release of neurotransmitters which signal to the brain the presence of specific tastants. Salty and sour tastants, on the other hand, directly activate ion channels on taste receptor cells and do not require extensive intracellular signaling.

Cell-To-Cell Signaling Is Used by Receptor Cells to Communicate to the Brain