NCLEX : Other General Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #181 : Other General Biology

Which of the following triggers "sour" taste receptors in taste buds?

Possible Answers:

Gustducin

Sodium ions

Hydrogen ions

Glutamate

Correct answer:

Hydrogen ions

Explanation:

Sour flavor taste bud receptors are triggered in the presence of hydrogen ions (thus acidic foods often have a sour taste). Sodium triggers receptors for salty flavor, while glutamate and gustducin (a guanine nucleotide-binding protein, or G protein), are associated with umami, sweet, and bitter flavors.

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