Coacervate-like Membrane Structures and Olfactory Transduction

Abstract

Current theories concerning the olfactory transduction process are discussed. A hypothesis is formulated, according to which the olfactory receptor membrane contains regions where it has the structure of a lipid-protein coacervate. Such structures may well occur in living cells. Such a membrane would have the ability to change its permeability in response to odorants and a sensitivity comparable to that of the sense of smell. The model also explains the fact that different receptor cells have different sensitivity patterns towards odorants. The model is consistent with the results of experiments that seek to establish the locus of odorant action.