title: A conceptual model of taste receptors.
abstract: Of all the senses, that of taste is perhaps the hardest to define and quantify and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms is unrespondingly difficult. This article describes a conceptual model--at the molecular level--for the four basic taste modalities, using apparent specific volume as a fundamental parameter. It also considers possible practical applications.
authors.affiliation: Sensory Analysis Section, Leatherhead Food Research Association, Surrey.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shamil
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Birch
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology*; D013650:Taste Buds / Q000502:physiology*