faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Biological sciences

Combinatorial receptor codes for odors

Article Abstract:

The mammalian olfactory system is capable of discriminating between thousands of volatile compounds. This discriminatory ability can be attributed to the the use of an odor coding system made possible by the presence of odorant receptors (ORs) in the nose. It is demonstrated that one OR can recognize multiple odorants and that one odorant can be recognized by multiple ORs. It is also shown that multiple odorants are recognized by different combinations of ORs, confirming the idea that the olfactory system uses a combinatorial receptor coding scheme to differentiate between odors.

Cell receptors, Mammals, Odors

---

The ribosome in focus

Article Abstract:

The ribosome, the structure of which has recently been characterized at atomic resolution by X-ray crystallography, is discussed in this minireview article. Knowing the structure, which includes knowing morphology of the subunits, gives a major leap in understanding of the mechanism of protein synthesis. Molecular mechanisms of that synthesis are discussed. Phenomena requiring cooperation between the two subunits, such as proofreading of the codon-anticodon interaction, are still not well understood.

United States, Ribosomal RNA, Cytochemistry, Ribosomes, Molecular structure

---

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.