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Chapter 18: Problem 4

From the perspective of the recipient of the signal, in what ways do pheromones dier from other odorants?

Short Answer

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Short Answer: Pheromones differ from other odorants in several ways: (1) Pheromones elicit specific innate responses in receiving organisms while odorants trigger various learned responses. (2) Pheromones bind to specific receptors, while odorants can bind to multiple olfactory receptors. (3) Pheromones are released in a controlled manner with precise timing, while odorants disperse more freely in the environment. (4) Pheromones have a low detection threshold, allowing detection at low concentrations, while odorants have varying detection thresholds.

Step by step solution

01

Define pheromones and odorants

To start, let's define pheromones and odorants. Pheromones are chemical signals produced by an organism that trigger specific responses or behaviors in other individuals of the same species. Odorants are any chemical substances that emit a smell, whether perceived as pleasant or unpleasant, and can be detected by the olfactory system.
02

Discuss the type of responses triggered by pheromones and odorants

Pheromones elicit a specific response or behavior in receiving organisms, such as mating or aggregating. These responses are often innate, meaning they are hardwired in the organism's genetic makeup and do not require learning. On the other hand, odorants can trigger various responses depending on the context or the receiving organism's experiences, such as attraction, repulsion, or neutral reactions.
03

Mention the receptor specificity

Pheromones typically bind to specific receptors on the receiving organism, ensuring that only the intended signal is detected. In contrast, odorants can bind to multiple olfactory receptors, which can lead to a more complex and varied perception of the scent.
04

Discuss the release and dispersion of pheromones and odorants

Pheromones are often released in a controlled manner and may be present in specialized glands or structures in the organism. This allows for precise timing and regulation of the signal. In contrast, odorants can be passively emitted from various sources in the environment, and their dispersion is generally less controlled.
05

Compare the detection threshold and sensitivity

Pheromones tend to have a low detection threshold, meaning that they can be detected even at low concentrations. This is important because it ensures that the receiving organism can detect the signal even if it is far away or dilute. In contrast, odorants may have varying detection thresholds depending on the specific compound and the organism's sensitivity to it. In summary, from the perspective of the recipient of the signal, pheromones differ from other odorants in terms of the specific responses they trigger, their receptor specificity, the control of their release and dispersion, and their detection threshold and sensitivity.

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