Olfactory transduction involves binding of an odorant molecule to a receptor protein that in turn activates the G_olf protein.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is a simplified description of the initial steps of olfactory transduction. When an odorant molecule binds to an olfactory receptor protein, it activates a G protein called Gαolf, which in turn activates an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase produces a molecule called cyclic AMP (cAMP), which opens ion channels that allow positively charged ions to enter the olfactory receptor cell and trigger an action potential.

Olfactory Transduction Involves Binding of an Odorant Molecule to a Receptor