The Chemistry of Decomposition: The Mechanisms to Decay the Human Body

Taphonomic analysis separates decomposition into four major stages: fresh, early decomposition, advanced decomposition, and skeletonization. It is easy to demarcate the observable changes to the body, but it is far more difficult to know what underlying biochemical processes are occurring. Fresh decomposition begins with algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis, which sets the stage for the major workforces of decomposition: autolysis and putrefaction. The external signs of decomposition appear in early decomposition, which can be attributed to the breakdown of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This also leads to major changes in the moisture levels during advanced decomposition, as the tissues either liquefy or desiccate. Eventually, all organic tissue degrades, leaving behind the skeletal remains.