Which sensory receptor — category pair is correct?
a. Hair cell — Nociceptor
b. Snake pit organ — Mechanoreceptor
c. Taste receptor — Chemoreceptor
d. Olfactory receptor — Electromagnetic receptor

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of each sensory receptor mentioned in the options. Sensory receptors are specialized cells that detect specific types of stimuli and convert them into neural signals.
2. Identify the category of receptor each option belongs to. For example, nociceptors detect pain, mechanoreceptors detect mechanical changes, chemoreceptors detect chemical stimuli, and electromagnetic receptors detect light or electromagnetic fields.
3. Examine option (A): Hair cells are involved in detecting sound and balance, typically associated with mechanoreceptors, not nociceptors.
4. Examine option (B): Snake pit organs are specialized for detecting infrared radiation, which is related to electromagnetic receptors, not mechanoreceptors.
5. Examine option (C): Taste receptors detect chemical substances in food, which aligns with chemoreceptors. Option (D) involves olfactory receptors, which detect chemical stimuli in the air, also aligning with chemoreceptors, not electromagnetic receptors.

Key Concepts

Sensory Receptors

Sensory receptors are specialized cells or structures that detect and respond to specific types of stimuli from the environment. They convert these stimuli into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. Different types of receptors are sensitive to different stimuli, such as light, sound, chemicals, or temperature.

Chemoreceptors

Chemoreceptors are a type of sensory receptor that responds to chemical stimuli. They are crucial for the senses of taste and smell, detecting chemical substances in the environment. For example, taste receptors on the tongue detect dissolved substances, allowing us to perceive different flavors.

Correct Pairing of Receptors

In the context of sensory receptors, it is important to correctly pair the receptor type with its corresponding stimulus. For example, taste receptors are chemoreceptors because they respond to chemical stimuli. Understanding these pairings helps in identifying how organisms perceive and interact with their environment.