Which of the following smells putrid?

Which of the following smells putrid?

• A. Amines
• B. Indole
• C. Putrescine
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Putrefaction in decaying tissue releases volatile compounds that create a rotten, foul smell. Amine compounds produced by bacterial breakdown of amino acids—like putrescine and cadaverine—are classic contributors to strong, unpleasant odors. Indole, formed from tryptophan during bacterial metabolism, also has a distinct fecal-like putrid note. Each of these substances can emerge during decomposition and add to the overall putrid scent, so all of them are associated with putrefaction.

Putrefaction in decaying tissue releases volatile compounds that create a rotten, foul smell. Amine compounds produced by bacterial breakdown of amino acids—like putrescine and cadaverine—are classic contributors to strong, unpleasant odors. Indole, formed from tryptophan during bacterial metabolism, also has a distinct fecal-like putrid note. Each of these substances can emerge during decomposition and add to the overall putrid scent, so all of them are associated with putrefaction.