The receptor membranes of gustatory cells are:

• A. specialized to detect dissolved chemicals (tastants) in saliva
• B. impermeable to ions and do not interact with tastants
• C. primarily involved in generating action potentials in motor neurons
• D. responsible for producing digestive enzymes

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of gustatory cells: Gustatory cells are specialized sensory cells located in taste buds that detect chemical stimuli (tastants) dissolved in saliva.
2. Analyze the receptor membranes of gustatory cells: These membranes contain specific proteins that bind to tastants, initiating a signal transduction pathway that leads to the perception of taste.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Receptor membranes are not impermeable to ions, as ion channels are involved in taste detection. They do not directly generate action potentials in motor neurons, nor are they responsible for producing digestive enzymes.
4. Focus on the correct function: The receptor membranes are specialized to detect dissolved chemicals (tastants) in saliva, which is essential for the sense of taste.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Based on the biological function of gustatory cells and their receptor membranes, the correct answer is that they are specialized to detect dissolved chemicals (tastants) in saliva.