Unveiling the Sixth Basic Taste: Beyond Umami, Scientists Expand the Tongue's Palate
Scientists have discovered evidence for a potential sixth basic taste related to the detection of ammonium chloride through the protein receptor OTOP1. The tongue responds to ammonium chloride through the same protein receptor that signals sour taste. This finding could redefine our understanding of taste and its evolutionary significance, as the ability to taste ammonium chloride may have evolved to help organisms avoid consuming harmful substances. Further research is needed to understand species differences in sensitivity to ammonium and the role of OTOP1 channels in other parts of the body.