The _____ theory of olfaction holds that odors are related to the shapes of chemical molecules.
A)trichromatic
B)lock and key
C)opponent process
D)gate control

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lock and key theory of olfaction states that odors are detected through the shapes of chemical molecules. The shape of an odor molecule (the "key") fits into a receptor site in the olfactory epithelium (the "lock"), triggering a neural response that is interpreted as a specific odor. The other options (trichromatic, opponent process, and gate control) pertain to other sensory modalities (vision, color perception, and pain, respectively).

The _____ Theory of Olfaction Holds That Odors Are Related