Can mutation make you lose your sense of smell?

-Husna, Amity University Kolkata

The loss in sense of smell and taste experienced most commonly due to viral fever is termed as Anosmia. Millions of olfactory receptor cells are present in our nasal cavity. These cells captures molecules with specific odour and activate a nerve response which then carries the signal to the brain where this electrical impulse is translated into what we perceive as smell. Anosmia has been one of the symptom of covid-19 because SARS-CoV-2 can cause a dysfunction of olfactory nerves.

 Due to this reason the perception towards a loss of your sense of smell might be something negative. And it’s true in most of the cases especially in the case of covid-19 but recently a new scientific study has found one specific case where loss of sense of smell might actually be a positive thing. An analysis of the genomes of more than 9,000 people by researchers in Iceland revealed that a  particular genetic mutation made them immune to the unpleasant odour of  a raw or rotting fish. Interestingly, a small proportion of the respondents were found to not only repeatedly tolerate the foul aroma, but in some instances they even enjoyed the smell.

Researchers who conducted the study determined the cause behind it to be a genetic mutation of a gene TAAR5 which renders it ineffective thereby leading to the loss of smell. Those who had the intact version of  TAAR5 gene easily recognized the unpleasant fishy scent. As the intact TAAR5 gene helps make a protein responsible for recognizing a chemical called Trimethylamine(TMA) which is found in rotten fish and human bodily fluids like sweat and urine. Hence, genetic mutations may sometimes provide you with an ability that is even lacking in others around you. 

SOURCES:

https://www.ibtimes.com/people-rare-gene-mutation-cant-smell-fishy-scents-3059340

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/rare-genetic-trait-makes-immune-172221747.html

https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/not-smelling-the-roses-some-people-cannot-differentiate-between-smell-of-flowers-and-fish-2947399.html

Also read: SKIN CANCER KILLING BANDAGE DEVELOPED BY IISc

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