Odotope theory
Encyclopedia
Odotope theory, also known as weak shape theory, is a theory of how olfactory receptor
s bind to odor
molecules. The theory proposes that a combination of shape factors determine the coupling. The word itself is an analogy to epitope
s.
Olfactory receptor
Olfactory receptors expressed in the cell membranes of olfactory receptor neurons are responsible for the detection of odor molecules. Activated olfactory receptors are the initial player in a signal transduction cascade which ultimately produces a nerve impulse which is transmitted to the brain...
s bind to odor
Odor
An odor or odour is caused by one or more volatilized chemical compounds, generally at a very low concentration, that humans or other animals perceive by the sense of olfaction. Odors are also commonly called scents, which can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant odors...
molecules. The theory proposes that a combination of shape factors determine the coupling. The word itself is an analogy to epitope
Epitope
An epitope, also known as antigenic determinant, is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. The part of an antibody that recognizes the epitope is called a paratope...
s.