Which of the following accurately describes how taste buds function?

Taste buds function by detecting all basic tastes, which include sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Each taste bud contains specialized receptor cells that respond to specific molecules in food, enabling the perception of different flavors when something is tasted. This capability allows humans to discern a wide variety of tastes, enhancing the experience of eating and playing a crucial role in nutrition and safety by identifying spoiled or toxic food.

In contrast, the other options misrepresent the roles and functions of taste buds. Taste buds do not solely detect bitter flavors, nor are they responsible for smelling, which is primarily the function of the olfactory system. Additionally, while illness can sometimes affect taste perception, taste buds do not become inactive when someone is sick—they may still function but can be less effective due to factors like congestion or changes in saliva production. Thus, the ability of taste buds to sense all basic tastes is fundamental to their function.