2007-03-17 18:13:52 · 6 answers · asked by toekneetn 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The bacteria that decompose flesh give off a chemical called mercaptain (it is the same thing that is added to natural gas so that we can tell if we have a gas leak in our kitchen). That chemical is what really triggers the stench of a corpse.
2007-03-17 18:19:27 · answer #1 · answered by Bernard B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The waste products that would have been eliminated are still in the body. Moreover, death starts individual cells to die without the removal mechanism of a living being, which adds up on the load. This dead matter decays either aerobically or anerobically. The second mode creates some wretched chemicals such as organic mercaptans, and these are very smelly. Finally, flies can move in and start using the carcass to lay eggs from which larvae develop and start consuming the carcass.
It sound pretty messy, but just try keeping some meat out on a table for several days on a plate with a napkin, and keep the napkin pretty moist. You'll note the difference too.
2007-03-17 18:26:20 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dead bodies are basically decomposing. This means that there is a series of chemical reactions taking place in or on it. As a result, the dead body parts (for example skin) decomposes into some other organic compound which carries an odour.
2007-03-17 18:21:55 · answer #3 · answered by Visnja3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They decompose, and a byproduct of this is a gas that smells.
2007-03-17 18:22:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bernard B is correct - but another piece of the 'puzzle', if you will is that when someone dies, their "retention" of fecal matter and urine often ends, too. So you've got the decomposition going on among 'other' things. (bleh)
2007-03-17 18:23:15 · answer #5 · answered by Harleigh 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because they are decomposing.
2007-03-17 18:22:24 · answer #6 · answered by Sassafrass AKA: SASSY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋