Question

What are olfactory receptors?

Answer 1

Olfactory receptors:

1. Olfactory receptors are protein receptor molecules that bind to odor molecules and detect the smell.
2. They are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) present in olfactory receptor neurons.
3. The olfactory receptors are accumulated at the back of the nasal cavity, giving rise to the olfactory epithelium.
4. The receptors have an external process that extends to the epithelium surface and forms the cilia.
5. There is a vast variety of receptors available that function together as a system to differentiate the different odors.