The Chemistry of Body Decomposition
The Chemistry of Decomposition
Decomposition is defined as the biological and chemical changes a body undergoes after death. It is the decay of tissues and structures.
There are two types of decomposition: abiotic and biotic. Abiotic decomposition is defined as the degradation of a substance by chemical or physical processes; such as hydrolysis, reduction, or oxidation. Biotic decomposition is the metabolic breakdown of materials into simpler components by living organisms. This is typically done by microorganisms.
“The [decomposition] process is essential for recycling the finite matter that occupies physical space in the biome.” It occurs in five stages:
The first stage, the fresh stage, begins immediately upon death. Liver mortis then begins to set in. Blood is no longer being coursed through the body therefore it sinks to the lowest level. A bluish purple color begins to appear on the skin when this occurs. Then within three to six hours the muscular tissues become rigid; which is rigor mortis. Algor mortis also takes place, which is body cooling with the surrounding environment. Chemical changes also occur; a result is changes in pH, which causes cells to lose their structural integrity. This causes the release of cellular enzymes which are capable of initiating the breakdown of cells and tissues; autolysis. Visible effects from autolysis include blisters on the skin’s surface.
Oxygen in the body is depleted by aerobic organisms; creating an ideal environment for the new creation of anaerobic organisms. Anaerobic organisms from the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system transform carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins yielding organic acids (propionic acid, lactic acid), and gases, (methane, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia). The process of microbial proliferation within a body is referred to as putrefaction and leads to the second stage of decomposition.
The second stage of decomposition is the bloat stage. This is where visual changes
Decomposition is defined as the biological and chemical changes a body undergoes after death. It is the decay of tissues and structures.
There are two types of decomposition: abiotic and biotic. Abiotic decomposition is defined as the degradation of a substance by chemical or physical processes; such as hydrolysis, reduction, or oxidation. Biotic decomposition is the metabolic breakdown of materials into simpler components by living organisms. This is typically done by microorganisms.
“The [decomposition] process is essential for recycling the finite matter that occupies physical space in the biome.” It occurs in five stages:
The first stage, the fresh stage, begins immediately upon death. Liver mortis then begins to set in. Blood is no longer being coursed through the body therefore it sinks to the lowest level. A bluish purple color begins to appear on the skin when this occurs. Then within three to six hours the muscular tissues become rigid; which is rigor mortis. Algor mortis also takes place, which is body cooling with the surrounding environment. Chemical changes also occur; a result is changes in pH, which causes cells to lose their structural integrity. This causes the release of cellular enzymes which are capable of initiating the breakdown of cells and tissues; autolysis. Visible effects from autolysis include blisters on the skin’s surface.
Oxygen in the body is depleted by aerobic organisms; creating an ideal environment for the new creation of anaerobic organisms. Anaerobic organisms from the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system transform carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins yielding organic acids (propionic acid, lactic acid), and gases, (methane, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia). The process of microbial proliferation within a body is referred to as putrefaction and leads to the second stage of decomposition.
The second stage of decomposition is the bloat stage. This is where visual changes