Question

Putrefying bacteria act upon:
a. Fats
b. Carbohydrates
c. Protein
d. Starch

Answer 1

Hint: The bacteria which is responsible for decomposing organic matter is known as putrefying bacteria. The decomposition of dead matters by the putrefying bacteria results in the recycling of nitrogen.

Complete answer:
Putrefying bacteria acts on proteins. Protein acts as the energy source of putrefying bacteria. The decomposition of dead organic matters occurs through the anaerobic pathway. Putrefying bacteria decompose dead matters which results in the release of toxic gases. These gases lead to the degradation of the body parts of the dead organism.

During the process of decomposition, putrefying bacteria produces ammonium ions. Produced ammonium ions are then converted into nitrogen by some specific bacteria called nitrifying bacteria. Nitrates are then taken by the plants. Thus nitrogen from dead matter is transported back to the environment by putrefying bacteria. Nitrifying bacteria are capable of oxidation of inorganic nitrate compounds.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
The breakdown of dead organic matter into the simple organic or inorganic matter is called decomposition. Along with putrefying bacteria, some specific worms also takes part in decomposition. The organisms which are responsible for decomposition is known as a decomposer.

The factors which affect the decomposition are
- Temperature
- Environmental oxygen level
- Humidity, rainfall
- Availability of water
- Body size

Decomposition initiates in the fifth stage of death (after pallor Mortis, algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis). Decomposition initiates by forming a greenish color on the abdominal skin. After that decomposition continues and breaks down the entire body.

Note: Decomposition of carbohydrates initiated by the microorganisms which produce glucose monomers from the glycogen. The decomposition of these monomers involves two ways, one involves complete decomposition of sugar monomer which generates water and carbon dioxide and another pathway involves incomplete decomposition that results in alcohol and organic acids. The decomposition of lipids initiates after the immediate death of an organism by an enzyme called lipase.