Why Do Roses Smell So Sweet?

  • Published7 Apr 2015
  • Reviewed7 Apr 2015
  • Source American Chemical Society

One minor chemical change can turn the sweet smell of a rose sour. Chemist Raychelle Burks explains why in this episode of Get to Know a Molecule.

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American Chemical Society

Related Topics Smell Thinking & Awareness Thinking, Sensing & Behaving Cells & Circuits Genes & Molecules Anatomy Brain Anatomy & Function

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This image shows two types of neurons (pictured in red) — located in the medial amygdala of a mouse — which are involved in the emotional processing of odor information. While both types receive scent information, they communicate this information to different cells — which is reflected in their projections. The cell on the top-left relays information to the hypothalamus some distance away, a brain region important in reproductive and defense behaviors. The bottom-right cell communicates with nearby neurons to dampen the signals they send. Together, these cells help the animal to know whether to prepare for courtship or to flee for safety.
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This image shows two types of neurons (pictured in red) — located in the medial amygdala of a mouse — which are involved in the emotional processing of odor information. While both types receive scent information, they communicate this information to different cells — which is reflected in their projections. The cell on the top-left relays information to the hypothalamus some distance away, a brain region important in reproductive and defense behaviors. The bottom-right cell communicates with nearby neurons to dampen the signals they send. Together, these cells help the animal to know whether to prepare for courtship or to flee for safety.
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