Detecting Harmful Substances through Taste

In the study of sensation and perception, humans have various sensory modalities that allow them to interact with their environment. One less commonly known modality is the sense of taste, which involves detecting various flavors through specialized cells.

This system enables us to discern different taste sensations, such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Understanding how taste works also involves knowledge about how these sensations can influence our preferences and behaviors.

Which of the following taste sensations is often associated with a reaction to potentially harmful substances?