Difference Between Decay and Putrefaction

The key difference between decay and putrefaction is that decay is the decomposition of matter due to the action of a biological or a chemical agent, whereas putrefaction is the decay that takes place inside a body.

Both decay and putrefaction refer to the decomposition of matter, mostly organic matter, but these terms are used differently according to the source of organic matter that is being decomposed. Furthermore, the method of decomposition may also differ from each other.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Decay
3. What is Putrefaction
4. Side by Side Comparison – Decay vs Putrefaction in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is Decay?

Decay is the decomposition of substances due to the action of either a biological or a chemical agent. Generally, the term decay is used to refer to the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria and fungi. However, it can also be used to refer to the decomposition of radioactive matter through radiation.

The decay of organic matter is the decomposition of dead organic matter via breaking down the organic and inorganic portions of the source into simple molecules. Usually, the end products of this type of decay include carbon dioxide, water and mineral salt. This decomposition is a part of the nutrient cycle. Organisms that can cause decay are named as decomposers. Sometimes, biological decomposition can also occur via chemical or physical processes—e.g. hydrolysis.

The decay of matter due to the action of chemical agents mainly include the decomposition of radioactive material. Most of the times, these decay processes are spontaneous because the decay occurs in unstable chemical atoms. During this chemical decomposition, radiation is released. Depending on the type of radiation that is being released, we can name the decay process as alpha decay, beta decay, etc.

Alpha decay occurs when a radioactive element is releasing alpha particles. Beta decay occurs when a radioactive element releases beta particles.

What is Putrefaction?

Putrefaction is the decomposition of organic matter inside a body. This is the fifth stage in the death of an animal. It includes the break down of proteins in the body. This stage also includes the liquefaction of organs inside the body. Mostly, this decomposition occurs due to the action of bacteria and fungi, which cause the release of gases that can infiltrate the tissues.

The first signs of putrefaction include the green discolouration on the outside of the skin. This occurs on the abdominal wall of the intestine, on the surface of the skin and under the surface of the liver. In order to delay the process of putrefaction, we can use some chemical agents such as carbolic acid, arsenic, strychnine, and zinc chloride.

What is the Difference Between Decay and Putrefaction?

The key difference between decay and putrefaction is that decay is the decomposition of matter due to the action of a biological or a chemical agent, whereas putrefaction is the decay that takes place inside a body.

Moreover, another significant difference between decay and putrefaction is that decay involves the conversion of large molecules into small molecules or emission of radiation, while putrefaction involves the decomposition of proteins.

Summary – Decay vs Putrefaction

Both terms decay and putrefaction refer to the decomposition of matter. The key difference between decay and putrefaction is that decay is the decomposition of matter due to the action of a biological or a chemical agent whereas putrefaction is the decay that takes place inside a body.

Reference:

1. “Decomposition.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 May 2020, Available here.
2. “Putrefaction.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 May 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Rotten apple under the tree” By Sally V – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Alfa beta gamma radiation” By User:Stannered – Traced from this PNG image (CC BY 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia