Summary

This book details the mouse olfactory receptor (OR) gene superfamily, presenting the central thesis that a large family of genes encodes diverse receptors, each recognizing specific odorant molecules. Buck outlines the identification, classification, and structural characteristics of these genes, emphasizing their role in the sense of smell. Readers gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying olfaction, the immense diversity of odor perception, and the organization of the olfactory system at the genetic level. The book serves as a foundational resource for understanding the genetic basis of smell in mammals, highlighting the evolutionary expansion of this gene family.

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Key concepts

Olfactory receptor genes — Genes encoding G protein-coupled receptors responsible for detecting odorant molecules.
Gene superfamily — A group of related genes that arose from a common ancestral gene through duplication and divergence.
Receptor repertoire — The complete set of olfactory receptor genes expressed by an individual, determining its range of odor perception.
Odorant binding — The specific interaction between an odorant molecule and an olfactory receptor protein.