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Related Concept Videos

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

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The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
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Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway01:20

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Humans detect odors with the help of specialized cells located in the upper part of the nasal cavity, called olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). ORNs possess hair-like structures called cilia, which are receptive to sensations from the inhaled air. When an odorant molecule binds to a specific receptor on the cell of the cilia, it leads to a series of events that ultimately cause the ORN to send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain through the olfactory nerves.
The olfactory...
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Olfaction01:25

Olfaction

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The sense of smell is achieved through the activities of the olfactory system. It starts when an airborne odorant enters the nasal cavity and reaches olfactory epithelium (OE). The OE is protected by a thin layer of mucus, which also serves the purpose of dissolving more complex compounds into simpler chemical odorants. The size of the OE and the density of sensory neurons varies among species; in humans, the OE is only about 9-10 cm2.
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Chemical factors such as changing CO2, O2, and H+ levels in arterial blood play a critical role in influencing respiration depth and rates. These variations are detected by chemoreceptors—specialized sensors located in two primary body areas. Central chemoreceptors are found throughout the brain stem, including the ventrolateral medulla, while peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries.
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The Physiology of Taste01:24

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The perception of a salty flavor is facilitated by sodium ions within the oral salivary fluid. Upon consumption of a salty substance, salt crystals disassemble, leading to the liberation of its constituents—Na+ and Cl- ions. These ions subsequently dissolve into the salivary fluid present in the oral cavity. The external environment of the gustatory cells experiences an elevation in Na+ concentration, thereby establishing a potent concentration gradient. This gradient propels the...
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When cells are placed in a hypotonic (low-salt) fluid, they can swell and burst. Meanwhile, cells in a hypertonic solution—with a higher salt concentration—can shrivel and die. How do fish cells avoid these gruesome fates in hypotonic freshwater or hypertonic seawater environments?
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Acidification can directly affect olfaction in marine organisms.

Cosima S Porteus1,2, Christina C Roggatz3, Zelia Velez4

  • 1Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbour St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G5, Canada.

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|July 26, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Ocean acidification may directly impair marine animal olfaction by altering odorant-receptor interactions. This reduces olfactory neuron activity, impacting behavior and requiring new research approaches.

Keywords:
AcidificationBehaviourCarbon dioxideElectrophysiologyFishInvertebrates

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Ocean acidification, driven by increased CO2, affects marine organisms' behaviors.
  • Previous research linked behavioral changes to acid-base regulation and GABAergic neurotransmission.
  • Varied effects of ocean acidification on fish behavior necessitate exploring additional mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and investigate a direct mechanism of ocean acidification on olfaction in marine organisms.
  • To examine how decreased pH affects odorant-receptor binding and olfactory signaling.
  • To understand the implications for olfactory receptor neuron activity and subsequent behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewing existing literature on ocean acidification and marine behavior.
  • Proposing a direct chemical mechanism involving pH, odorant protonation, and receptor conformation.
  • Citing electrophysiological evidence of reduced olfactory receptor neuron activity under high CO2/low pH.
  • Discussing potential gene expression changes in olfactory neurons with prolonged exposure.

Main Results:

  • Ocean acidification can directly alter odorant and/or receptor properties, affecting binding affinity.
  • Reduced odorant-receptor affinity leads to decreased olfactory receptor neuron activity.
  • Longer-term exposure may cause gene expression changes, further reducing neuronal activity.
  • Impaired olfactory function results in maladaptive behavioral responses to chemical cues.

Conclusions:

  • A direct chemical mechanism, beyond acid-base regulation, likely contributes to ocean acidification's effects on marine olfaction.
  • Altered odorant-receptor interactions and reduced neuronal signaling are key consequences.
  • Further research with refined experimental designs is needed to resolve controversies and fully understand these impacts.