Meaning: 'Be described' means to explain or characterize something in a certain way.

Wrong options:

• formulate: The verb 'formulate' means to create or devise, which does not fit the context of explaining sensations.
• are activated: This option is already used in blank 2 and does not fit grammatically here as it does not follow 'can.'
• influence: While 'influence' is relevant to taste, it does not fit the grammatical structure needed after 'can.'
• has: The verb 'has' does not fit as it does not convey the idea of describing sensations.
• depends: 'Depends' does not fit grammatically after 'can' and does not relate to the act of describing.
• forces: The verb 'forces' implies compulsion, which does not align with the context of describing tastes.

Correct answer: are activated

Explanation: The phrase 'are activated' is in the passive voice, which is appropriate here as it describes what happens to the taste cells when food is consumed. It fits grammatically and contextually with the subject 'certain cells.'

Meaning: 'Are activated' means that the taste cells become responsive or triggered by specific types of food.

Wrong options:

• formulate: 'Formulate' does not fit as it implies creating something rather than describing a state of being.
• be described: This option is already used in blank 1 and does not fit grammatically here.
• influence: 'Influence' does not fit as it does not describe an action that happens to the taste cells.
• has: 'Has' does not fit grammatically as it does not convey the action of activation.
• depends: 'Depends' does not relate to the activation of cells and does not fit the context.
• forces: 'Forces' implies a strong action, which does not accurately describe the activation of taste cells.

Correct answer: influence

Explanation: The word 'influence' fits grammatically as it serves as a verb that describes the effect of taste buds on our sense of taste. Contextually, it aligns with the idea that taste is affected by more than just taste buds.

Meaning: 'Influence' means to have an effect on something, in this case, our sense of taste.

Wrong options:

• formulate: 'Formulate' does not fit as it implies creating something rather than affecting taste.
• are activated: This option is already used in blank 2 and does not fit grammatically here.
• has: 'Has' does not convey the action of affecting or influencing and does not fit the context.
• depends: 'Depends' does not fit grammatically as it does not describe an action related to taste.
• forces: 'Forces' implies a strong action, which does not accurately describe the effect on taste.

Correct answer: depends

Explanation: The word 'depends' fits grammatically as it indicates a relationship of reliance, which is appropriate in the context of how taste is affected by smell. It aligns with the overall meaning of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Depends' means to be contingent upon or influenced by something else, in this case, smell.

Wrong options:

• formulate: 'Formulate' does not fit as it implies creating something rather than indicating reliance.
• are activated: This option is already used in blank 2 and does not fit grammatically here.
• influence: 'Influence' does not fit as it does not convey the idea of reliance or dependence.
• has: 'Has' does not fit grammatically as it does not express a relationship of dependence.
• forces: 'Forces' implies compulsion, which does not align with the context of dependence.

Correct answer: is blocked

Explanation: The phrase 'is blocked' fits grammatically as it is in the passive voice, indicating the state of the nose. Contextually, it aligns with the idea that a blocked nose affects the ability to taste.

Meaning: 'Is blocked' means that the nose is obstructed, preventing normal function.

Wrong options:

• formulate: 'Formulate' does not fit as it implies creating something rather than describing a state of being.
• are activated: This option is already used in blank 2 and does not fit grammatically here.
• influence: 'Influence' does not fit as it does not describe a state of the nose.
• has: 'Has' does not fit grammatically as it does not convey the state of being blocked.
• depends: 'Depends' does not fit as it does not describe the condition of the nose.
• forces: 'Forces' implies a strong action, which does not accurately describe the state of the nose.