Which of the following is not a taste that can be detected by the tongue?
a. bitter
b. sour
c. sweet
d. salty
e. bittersweet
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is e. bittersweet.
The human tongue can detect five primary tastes: bitter, sour, sweet, salty, and umami. Each taste is associated with different receptors on the tongue and is the result of the brain interpreting signals from these receptors in response to different molecules in the food we eat. These tastes are essential for survival and contribute to the pleasure and rejection of certain foods.
- Bitter taste is typically a warning sign for toxins or harmful substances. It is detected by specific receptors that respond to molecules like alkaloids.
- Sour taste arises from acids in foods like citrus fruits. It helps in identifying whether food might be spoiled.
- Sweet taste is typically associated with sugar and carbohydrates, signaling a source of energy.
- Salty taste comes from the presence of salt, which is vital for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.
- Umami is a savory taste linked to amino acids, such as glutamate, found in foods like meat and cheese.
The term bittersweet describes a combination of bitter and sweet tastes, but it is not classified as a separate taste. Instead, it is a sensory experience that results from the combination of the two distinct primary tastes: bitter and sweet. It is often used to describe certain foods, like dark chocolate, where both sweetness and bitterness are present.
Thus, bittersweet is not a primary taste detected by the tongue. It is a combination of two primary tastes that create a unique flavor sensation.