Taste receptors detect which type of substances?

Taste receptors detect which type of substances?

• A. Salts
• B. Light
• C. Chemicals
• D. Temperature

Answer: (C)

Taste is a chemical sense. Taste receptors are chemoreceptors that respond to chemical substances dissolved in saliva—tastants—entering the mouth. When these molecules bind to or interact with the receptors in taste buds, they trigger signals that travel to the brain, letting you perceive flavors. Light and temperature are detected by other sensory systems (photoreceptors in the eye for light, thermoreceptors for temperature), so they’re not detected by taste receptors. While salty sensations come from chemical ions, the broader idea is that taste receptors respond to chemicals in what you eat and drink.

Taste is a chemical sense. Taste receptors are chemoreceptors that respond to chemical substances dissolved in saliva—tastants—entering the mouth. When these molecules bind to or interact with the receptors in taste buds, they trigger signals that travel to the brain, letting you perceive flavors. Light and temperature are detected by other sensory systems (photoreceptors in the eye for light, thermoreceptors for temperature), so they’re not detected by taste receptors. While salty sensations come from chemical ions, the broader idea is that taste receptors respond to chemicals in what you eat and drink.