Abstract
An analysis of the interaction between stimulus molecules and the olfactory receptor cell membrane is presented. The model is based upon a sequence of events, i.e. stimulus delivery at the olfactory epithelium, absorption of molecules in the mucus layer, diffusion of the molecules towards the receptor cells and molecule-receptor cell membrane interaction. The mathematical analysis considers the situation during electrophysiological experiments, where an odour puff is delivered at an exposed olfactory mucosa. Such a situation resembles sniffing of odour samples. The analysis is discussed in relation to experimental evidence.
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van Drongelen, W., Pagnotte, Y. & Hendriks, M.H. Primary events in odour detection. Bltn Mathcal Biology 44, 411–423 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462289
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462289