Question

Sour taste is mediated by: - PHYSIOLOGY (PART A)

• A. TRPV3 Channel
• B. Metabolic receptors
• C. GPCR T1R1
• D. GPCR T1R3

Hint:

Sour taste is detected through the GPCR T1R3, which is sensitive to hydrogen ions in acidic solutions, triggering the sour taste sensation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The sensation of taste is a complex process involving various receptors and channels that detect different flavors: sweet, salty, bitter, umami, and sour. The sour taste is specifically believed to be mediated by a class of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) known for detecting a variety of tastes.

Among the options provided:

• TRPV3 Channel

This is primarily involved in detecting temperature changes and is not associated with the sour taste sensation.

• Metabolic receptors

These refer to receptors involved in metabolic processes and are not specific to taste mediation.

• GPCR T1R1

This receptor is typically associated with sweet and umami tastes, not sour.

• GPCR T1R3

This receptor is part of the complex that detects sweet and umami tastes. However, recent studies suggest that the sour taste is also mediated through other pathways that might involve GPCRs including T1R3 indirectly. Despite this, the direct involvement of T1R3 in sour taste is limited compared to its role in sweet detection.

Therefore, within the context of the given options, the best choice involving a plausible mechanism related to taste mediation is GPCR T1R3, although its primary role is linked to sweet and umami tastes.