State the difference between: Decay and Putrefaction

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Detailed Solution

Feature	Decay	Putrefaction
Definition	Decay is the general breakdown of organic matter by microbes, leading to softening and decomposition.	Putrefaction is the specific decomposition of proteins by bacteria, resulting in foul-smelling substances.
Type of Matter	Affects all types of organic matter (carbohydrates, fats, proteins).	Primarily affects proteins.
Odor	Usually mild or not very noticeable.	Produces a strong, unpleasant, foul smell due to the formation of compounds like ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and amines.
End Products	Leads to simpler substances like humus, water, and carbon dioxide.	Produces toxic and foul-smelling products, including gases and liquid effluents.
Microorganisms Involved	General bacteria and fungi.	Specific putrefactive bacteria such as Clostridium, Bacillus, and Proteus species.
Occurrence	Can occur in the presence of air (aerobic) or absence of air (anaerobic).	Mainly occurs in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions).