Current Theories in Odorant Binding

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe olfactory epithelium is characterized as the main organ for the sense of smell in humans and vertebrates. The neuronal cells called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) play a key role in the olfactory epithelium by expressing the olfactory receptors (ORs) on their apical surface membrane, are specially differentiated.Recent FindingsThe model of odor identification and discrimination working in combination is well established; however, little is known about the action mechanisms of neuronal divergence for odor identification and discrimination. In this article, we present some basic theories on the transduction and analysis of odorant binding.SummaryResent research in the past decades has brought forth a better understanding of the science behind human olfaction. Still many more unanswered questions remain, leaving much to be discovered and unraveled in the field of olfaction science.
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research