Researchers from the University of Southern California (USA) discovered that the human tongue can recognize the sixth basic taste. The scientific publication was presented by the journal Nature Communications.
It was previously believed that the tongue perceives only five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami (this is a special taste reminiscent of meat). The new flavor is reminiscent of Scandinavian desserts such as salty licorice.
The authors examined the OTOP1 receptor, which is responsible for recognizing sour taste and allowing hydrogen ions to penetrate cells. Scientists have suggested that ammonium chloride, which also affects the concentration of hydrogen ions within cells, may be associated with the receptor. In its natural mineralogical form, ammonium chloride is known as hydrochloric ammonia. The mineral is generally formed by burning coal piles as a result of the condensation of coal gases.
The researchers took artificial cultures of human cells and exposed them to ammonium chloride. The experiment showed that ammonium chloride is a potent activator of the OTOP1 receptor. Then the followers conducted experiments using a mouse model: the first group felt the taste of ammonium, but the second did not.
Mice in the first group reacted by considering ammonium chloride unattractive and refused to drink water with the addition of this substance, while mice in the second group did not react to the additive even at very high concentrations. The authors suggested that the ability to taste ammonium chloride evolved to avoid consumption of poisonous foods.
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