How do taste buds work?

Question

Is there a chemical reaction or do the buds recognize a chemical shape without any reaction?

If there is a chemical reaction, what new compounds are formed?

Answer 1

The sense of taste is mediated by taste receptor cells which are bundled in clusters called taste buds. Taste receptor cells sample oral concentrations of a large number of small molecules and report a sensation of taste to centers in the brainstem. No new chemicals.