9. PTC Taste Sensitivity
Ever wondered why some people find certain foods intensely bitter while others don’t? The answer lies in the TAS2R38 gene. This gene variation determines if you can taste the bitterness of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). Taste sensitivity to PTC is a classic example of inherited genetics and can be a fun family experiment—some will taste bitterness, while others notice nothing at all. Learn more