Where do the pleasant odors of apples and oranges come from? What type of compound is at the root of those smells? If you immediately thought, "Esters", than good for you!
As it turns out, there is a vast array of ester compounds responsible for many varying odors. We also find that several different esters can be responsible for the same aromas; apples and oranges, for instance.
We sense these different aromas when the ester compounds interact with different scent receptors within our noses. Those receptors are located within the olfactory nerve system of our "smelling apparatus". Basically, when a particular ester structure is present in the nose, it is captured by binding to an olfactory receptor to which it fits. The "nose knows" that when a certain type of olfactory nerve is stimulated, a particular signal is sent to the brain, which then registers a characteristic odor.
It is interesting that very different aromas can be registered by apparently very similar ester structures. The following image provides an example.
As you can see from the graphic, the quite different odors of apple and orange result from esters which look very similar. An excellent illustrated chart can be located by following the provided reference!
That's all for now. As always, thank you for reading!
A Publication of http://ExcellenceInLearning.biz
As it turns out, there is a vast array of ester compounds responsible for many varying odors. We also find that several different esters can be responsible for the same aromas; apples and oranges, for instance.
We sense these different aromas when the ester compounds interact with different scent receptors within our noses. Those receptors are located within the olfactory nerve system of our "smelling apparatus". Basically, when a particular ester structure is present in the nose, it is captured by binding to an olfactory receptor to which it fits. The "nose knows" that when a certain type of olfactory nerve is stimulated, a particular signal is sent to the brain, which then registers a characteristic odor.
It is interesting that very different aromas can be registered by apparently very similar ester structures. The following image provides an example.
As you can see from the graphic, the quite different odors of apple and orange result from esters which look very similar. An excellent illustrated chart can be located by following the provided reference!
That's all for now. As always, thank you for reading!
A Publication of http://ExcellenceInLearning.biz
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