Why Do Roses Smell So Sweet?

  • Published7 Apr 2015
  • Reviewed7 Apr 2015
  • Source American Chemical Society

One minor chemical change can turn the sweet smell of a rose sour. Chemist Raychelle Burks explains why in this episode of Get to Know a Molecule.

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American Chemical Society

Related Topics Smell Thinking & Awareness Thinking, Sensing & Behaving Cells & Circuits Genes & Molecules Anatomy Brain Anatomy & Function

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Coronal image of mouse main olfactory bulb cell nuclei
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This image shows two types of neurons (pictured in red) — located in the medial amygdala of a mouse — which are involved in the emotional processing of odor information. While both types receive scent information, they communicate this information to different cells — which is reflected in their projections. The cell on the top-left relays information to the hypothalamus some distance away, a brain region important in reproductive and defense behaviors. The bottom-right cell communicates with nearby neurons to dampen the signals they send. Together, these cells help the animal to know whether to prepare for courtship or to flee for safety.
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This image shows two types of neurons (pictured in red) — located in the medial amygdala of a mouse — which are involved in the emotional processing of odor information. While both types receive scent information, they communicate this information to different cells — which is reflected in their projections. The cell on the top-left relays information to the hypothalamus some distance away, a brain region important in reproductive and defense behaviors. The bottom-right cell communicates with nearby neurons to dampen the signals they send. Together, these cells help the animal to know whether to prepare for courtship or to flee for safety.
Processing Smell

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