Putrefaction in Biology and the Process of Decay

Vedantu has prepared content on Putrefaction for the assistance of the students to enable them to learn the concept in a comprehensive manner. The Putrefaction – Process and The Factors Affecting It article provides the students with a good understanding of the topic which will further enable them to tackle difficult questions in the exams. A team of highly qualified teachers has prepared the content with a professional spirit.   They are well aware of the needs of the students and what the examiner could ask from the students in the final examination.  After reading the article students will easily answer all the questions in the exam.

The process of decay in the organic matter through microorganisms which results in the production of foul smell is known as Putrefaction. This happens between 10 to 20 days after the death of the organism. A series of events happen during the process of putrefaction such as the Decomposition of proteins, Breakdown of cohesiveness between the tissues and liquefaction of most organs. When the putrefying bacteria and fungi spread on the body, they decompose the body tissues and organs. They play a major role in recycling nitrogen from dead organisms.

Putrefaction is considered as the fifth stage of death, followed by the paleness of the skin (pallor mortis) within, change in body temperature (algor mortis), rigidity or swiftness in the movement of a corpse(rigour mortis), settlement of blood on the lower side of the body (livor mortis).

The above-mentioned stages are produced by the release of gasses that undergo bacterial reductive catalysis which results in the distension of the abdomen, swelling of the face and genitalia, and purging of putrefactive liquids from the mouth and nostrils.

Among the various putrefactive microorganisms, the aerobic Bacteria Bacillus and Pseudomonas are prevalent. The mold fungi are also involved in putrefaction but do not play a major role in the process.

Process of Putrefaction

The process of putrefaction involves different stages: In general, all the organic tissues contain chemical energy, and, when it is not maintained. The tissue begins to hydrolyze due to the reaction of water into amino acids.

Initially, the anaerobic bacteria in the digestive tract of humans start to digest the proteins of the body, this makes the tissues weak. Next, the proteins break down where the bacteria release certain gasses and organic compounds like putrescine, and cadaverine, emitting a foul smell like rotten flesh. The bacteria traverse throughout the body by using the blood vessels.

During the process of putrefaction, the skin tissues of the body rupture and release the bacterial gas. Finally, the body reaches the stage of skeletonization.

Factors Affecting Putrefaction

Two kinds of factors can be observed which affect the putrefaction:

1. External Factors

2. Internal Factors

External Factors:

• Environment: A rise in temperature increases the level of putrefaction. The optimum temperature to be maintained during the process of putrefaction is 21°C to 38°C. The putrefaction process hinders if the temperature is below 0°C or above 48°C.

• Moisture: Lack of air or if a body is immersed in water the putrefaction process slows down. Microbes are formed in the presence of moisture and air resulting in the degradation of the organism.

• Clothing: Clothes fitting exactly to the body reduce the blood flow, making it difficult for the bacteria to sustain putrefaction. Loose-fitting clothes have an uninterrupted blow and moisture flow which is perfect for putrefaction.

• Light: The presence of light inhibits the putrefaction process as the microorganisms are active during darkness.

Internal Factors:

• Age: The body of a young person undergoes putrefaction at a rapid speed when compared to an older person. On the other hand, the bodies of infants and fetuses undergo putrefaction slowly as they are sterile.

• Body Condition: Due to the presence of more heat and fluids in the tissues, a fat body is quicker than a lean body.

• Cause of Death: People who die from infectious diseases undergo the putrefaction process quickly when compared with people who died due to accidents.

• External Injuries: The putrefaction process is done easily on bodies that have injuries as they have bacterial invasions. The putrefaction rate is higher in the air when compared to soil, earth, and water. Body discolouration happens within 12-24 hours when exposed to air.  The putrefaction can be delayed using carbolic acid, arsenic strychnine, and zinc chloride. This delay is usually done for funeral and medical or religious practices.

Putrefying Bacteria

The bacteria which are involved in the putrefaction of living organisms are known as putrefying bacteria. Putrefying Bacteria utilize amino acids or urea which decompose dead organisms. During this process, ammonium ions are produced, which later are converted into nitrate. Finally, these can be used by plants for producing more proteins. The putrefying bacteria are also involved in human digestion present in the gastrointestinal tract. Fermented milk contains lactose which is used by the bacteria for improving digestion. The first body part which starts to decompose is the brain as it immediately loses cells after death. Apart from this, organs with huge bacterial cells tend to decompose faster such as the stomach and intestines. When compared with the organ containing maximum fluid and the organ with most bacteria, the decomposition rate is higher on the organ with most liquids which is the brain.

On the other hand, the last organ to decompose is the kidneys. This organ remains viable for 36-48 hours after death.

Adipocere Formation

A modification in the process of putrefaction through hydrolysis and hydrogenation of fatty tissues to a yellowish, greasy, rancid, wax-like substance called adipocere. This adipocere is initially yellow and soft, after a few months, it turns white and brittle. After a while, it becomes tough to retain the facial structure as it becomes unrecognizable.

Way to learn facts and figures 

When studying a subject like biology, there is a need to remember many important facts and figures that form the foundation of the practical application of the theory.  Therefore, to enhance the student’s learning, Vedantu recommends some learning tips to retain the content read in the long-lasting memory.

Write a lot - Writing the piece of information is a very traditional way of learning but is very effective. It not only enables the students to make notes for the revision but also, retain the word to word content in the memory for a long time.

Recite- Read the article and underline the facts and figures that are important for the students. One read, recite whatever read again and again. Take note of the things that you missed out while reciting. Revise once done, then again recite. It is suggested that the students carry out this practice with a timer since it will become a factor to help you finish the learning process on time.

Keeping the mind fresh

It is a common tendency of science students to study for long hours without taking any breaks. The seriousness with regard to the studying process is highly appreciated; however, the lifestyle that they pursue will not benefit them in the long run.

Students must assure that they are taking breaks in between their long studying routine.  They must eat healthy and clean and try to keep their body hydrated. For this, they must largely focus on home-cooked food and drink a lot of water.  Once in a week also try fasting, since it helps one to keep the body weight under control.

Last but not the least, the value of physical exercise should never be neglected. A student who has to sit for a long duration faces high risks of developing postural deformities, especially the back. To avoid this, go for physical exercises every day. One can begin with normal pace jogging and basic stretches, and some back exercises. This will not only keep your muscles fit but will also keep the body weight under control.