Question

The Amino acid responsible for the sweet taste is

• A. Arginine
• B. Lysine
• C. Glycine
• D. Proline

Hint:

The high level of Glycine in shellfish is not just for taste; it also serves as an "osmolyte" to help marine invertebrates balance the salt concentration of seawater.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify an amino acid that contributes a sweet flavor profile to fishery products. Flavors in fish and shellfish are largely dictated by the pool of "free amino acids."
Detailed Explanation:

• Taste Profiles of Amino Acids: Amino acids are not just building blocks of proteins; they also have distinct taste properties.

• Glycine: Is the simplest amino acid. Its name is derived from the Greek word "glykys," meaning sweet. It is well-known for its significantly sweet taste and is highly abundant in the muscle of crustaceans (shrimp, crabs) and mollusks, giving them their characteristic sweet flavor.

• Evaluation of other options:
• Alanine: Is also sweet but Glycine is the primary one associated with this in fisheries.

• Arginine and Lysine: Often have bitter or soapy tastes.

• Glutamic Acid: Is responsible for the "Umami" (savory) taste.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Glycine is the amino acid responsible for the sweet taste.