PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ODOR-BINDI NG PROTEINS

The chemical characteristics of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are su mmarised and compared with those of other types of binding proteins in volved in chemical communication. The recent finding of multiple forms of OBPs in the same animal species could suggest an odour discriminat ing role for these proteins. In this respect, the vertebrates' olfacto ry system is similar to other chemoreception systems, such as those pr esent in insects for detecting pheromones and general odours, bacteria l chemotaxis and taste.