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What causes the smell during decay?

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The disagreeable odor produced as putrefaction takes place is caused by the formation of certain gases, including ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, and certain volatile amines, including putrescine and cadaverine, two products of the breakdown of protein by microorganisms.

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Get more facts and information about decay of organic matter . Or, view the full encyclopedia entry from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.

Similar questions: What gases are released during organic decay? What is putrescine? What is cadaverine? [ Hide these questions ]

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