Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Does the your nose have the ability to taste? If so why? I've completed my science fair project,and got the grade 90.I am wondering why my results came out different.Can you help me?Thanks(:

Hi,
While your nose doesn't have the ability to "taste", since it is lacking taste buds, smell has an obvious effect on how food may taste to you. For example, I'm sure you have noticed that when you have a stuffy nose, your meals do not taste as flavorful as usual.
Did your teacher or the science fair judges specifically note why you lost points?

Hi there,

You have a very interesting question! While your nose cannot technically "taste," Ivy already pointed out that your sense of smell does contribute to your ability to taste. That said, it is possible to taste without being able to smell. I knew someone who was born without the ability to smell, and she was able to taste her foods just fine.

I just wanted to explain a little more about how your sense of smell and your sense of taste are related. Both senses involve chemoreceptors, which are little sensors that detect chemicals (usually organic molecules). The primary difference between smelling and tasting is that smelling detects chemicals in the air, whereas tasting detects the chemicals you put in your mouth. Because airborne chemicals often arrive at your nose far away from their source, your sense of smell is pretty sensitive and can detect chemicals in small amounts. Since you put food into your mouth, your taste buds do not have to work hard to detect the chemicals there. When you eat, some of the organic molecules from the food are vaporized (put into the air), and you can smell them; that is how your sense of smell enhances your sense of taste.

I hope this helps. Please post again if you have more questions!

Heather