Olfactory reception in invertebrates

Recent progress in understanding the principles and mechanisms in olfaction is the result of multidisciplinary research efforts that explored chemosen sation by using a variety of model organisms. Studies on invertebrates, not ably nematodes, insects, and crustaceans, to which diverse experimental app roaches can be applied, have greatly helped elucidate various aspects of ol factory Signaling. From the converging results of genetic, molecular, and p hysiological studies, a common set of chemosensory mechanisms emerges. Reco gnition and discrimination of odorants as well as chemo-electrical transduc tion and processing of olfactory signals appear to be mediated by fundament ally similar mechanisms in phylogenetically diverse animals. The common cha llenge of organisms to decipher the world of odors was apparently met: by a phylogenetically conserved strategy. Thus, comparative studies should cont inue to provide important contributions toward an understanding of the sens e of smell.