receptors for taste

Taste receptors are specialized cells located on the tongue and in the mouth that detect different flavors such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. When we eat or drink, molecules from our food bind to these receptors, triggering nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals as specific tastes. Each type of receptor is tuned to recognize particular molecules, helping us identify and enjoy different flavors while also protecting us from potentially harmful substances.