INVESTIGATION OF BITTER TASTE SENSITIVITY IN CHIMPANZEE (PAN TROGLODYTES)

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Humans vary in their ability to taste the synthetic compound, phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). While some people find PTC to be nearly tasteless, others find it to be intolerably bitter. Recent efforts have identified a gene that accounts for the ability of humans to taste PTC. Chimpanzees have, like humans, been reported to vary in their ability to taste PTC; however results of tests performed to date are ambiguous. In this experiment, we will test the ability of individual chimpanzees to taste PTC by giving them apple slices soaked in a low-concentration (1mM) PTC solution or a control (1mM vitamin C) solution. We will then observe whether or not the individual rejects the apple slice. Finally, we will compare these behavioral data with genetic data obtained from the same individuals. This test will reveal whether chimpanzees vary in their ability to taste PTC and whether the same gene as in humans accounts for this ability.