Two students studying physiology taste a known "bitter" substance. Student A reports sensing both a bitter taste and a salty taste, but student B reports only a salty taste. What is the most logical explanation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of both bitter and salty taste in student A suggests that they have a protein receptor capable of detecting both bitter and salty molecules in the substance, whereas student B lacks the protein receptor for the bitter taste. This is the most logical explanation for the difference in their taste perceptions. Allergic reactions or differences in saliva pH are unlikely to be the cause of the difference in taste perception. The explanation regarding defective taste buds is also possible, but less likely than the one related to protein receptors.

Two Students Studying Physiology Taste a Known "Bitter" Substance