How Drosophila Flies Taste Odors
Author Information
Author(s): Hiroi Makoto, Tanimura Teiichi, Marion-Poll Frédéric
Primary Institution: UMR n°1272, Physiologie de l'Insecte: Signalisation and Communication, INRA / UPMC / AgroParisTech
Hypothesis
Can olfactory receptors be expressed in taste neurons and allow them to sense volatile molecules?
Conclusion
The study shows that transformed taste neurons in Drosophila can respond to odorants as if they were tastants, altering their hedonic value based on the type of taste neuron expressing the receptor.
Supporting Evidence
- Transformed taste neurons can sense odors at close range.
- Odorants modify feeding behavior depending on the type of taste neuron expressing the receptor.
- Electrophysiological recordings showed that taste neurons responded to both sugars and odorants.
Takeaway
Flies can taste smells! When scientists put smell receptors in taste cells, the flies reacted to smells like they were tasting something sweet or bitter.
Methodology
The researchers used electrophysiological recordings to test the responses of transformed taste neurons to various odorants and tastants.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a specific set of receptors and may not generalize to all taste or olfactory interactions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.039
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website