In order to be sensed by the olfactory system,molecules must
A) be airborne and fat soluble.
B) be airborne and water soluble.
C) have their own particular olfactory receptors.
D) arrive in the nose in small concentrations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Molecules that are airborne and fat soluble are more likely to be able to travel through the mucus in the nose and bind to olfactory receptors, allowing them to be detected by the olfactory system. Water soluble molecules typically cannot penetrate the mucus layer and are not as easily detected. Additionally, molecules must arrive in the nose in small concentrations in order to be detected by olfactory receptors, as they are sensitive to low levels of stimulation. Finally, each olfactory receptor is specific to a particular type of molecule, so molecules must have their own particular olfactory receptors in order to be sensed by the olfactory system.

In Order to Be Sensed by the Olfactory System,molecules Must