Answer to Question #25375 in Organic Chemistry for yashas gwd

Question

All alkalies are said to have a bitter taste. But Mucous and Saliva being called Alkalies are salty. why?

Answer 1

Mucus consists of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.Human saliva is composed of 99.5% water, while the other 0.5% consists of electrolytes, mucus, glycoproteins, enzymes, and antibacterial compounds.The causes of salty taste of Mucus and Saliva is presence not only alkali components, but also some salt . Sodium chloride is in the largest number usually.