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Could Humans Recognize Odor by Phonon Assisted Tunneling?

Jennifer C. Brookes, Filio Hartoutsiou, A. P. Horsfield, and A. M. Stoneham
Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 038101 – Published 16 January 2007

Abstract

Our sense of smell relies on sensitive, selective atomic-scale processes that occur when a scent molecule meets specific receptors in the nose. The physical mechanisms of detection are unclear: odorant shape and size are important, but experiment shows them insufficient. One novel proposal suggests receptors are actuated by inelastic electron tunneling from a donor to an acceptor mediated by the odorant, and provides critical discrimination. We test the physical viability of this mechanism using a simple but general model. With parameter values appropriate for biomolecular systems, we find the proposal consistent both with the underlying physics and with observed features of smell. This mechanism suggests a distinct paradigm for selective molecular interactions at receptors (the swipe card model): recognition and actuation involve size and shape, but also exploit other processes.

  • Figure
  • Received 10 July 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.038101

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jennifer C. Brookes*, Filio Hartoutsiou, A. P. Horsfield, and A. M. Stoneham§

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom

  • *Electronic address: j.brookes@ucl.ac.uk
  • Electronic address: to_milaraki@hotmail.com
  • Electronic address: a.horsfield@ucl.ac.uk
  • §Electronic address: a.stoneham@ucl.ac.uk

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Issue

Vol. 98, Iss. 3 — 19 January 2007

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