Putrefaction refers to the breakdown of tissue by what action?

• A. Bacterial action
• B. Autolysis
• C. Osmotic action
• D. Dilation of tissue

Answer: (A)

Putrefaction is tissue breakdown caused by bacteria, especially bacteria that thrive after death and in unfixed tissue, leading to decomposition and odor. This distinguishes it from autolysis, which is self-digestion of cells by their own enzymes after death, a process not driven by bacteria. Osmotic action involves water movement across membranes and can cause swelling or shrinking, but it does not describe the microbial degradation that putrefaction entails. Dilation of tissue refers to enlargement, not degradation. So the mechanism behind putrefaction is bacterial activity, which is why that option is the best choice.