136. Explanation
Correct Answer - B
Ans. is 'b' i.e., It is developed in presence of air
Adipocere formation (saponification).
Adipocere is a modification of putrefaction, which occurs in the
absence of air. That is when there is excessive moisture (humidity)
and warnth (warm temperature), but absence of air i.e. warm humid
climate, normal putrefaction does not occur, rather saponification
occurs.
Thus adipocese formation occurs in dead bodies which are lying in
water (immered in water) or burned in damp lay soil.
Saponification (adipocer formation) is the conversion of dead body
into soft, fatty waxy substance due to conversion of unsaturated
liquid fats to saturated solid fats under the influence of intrinsic
lipase and lecithinase produced by Cl. perfringens. The process
involves gradual hydrolysis and hydrogenation of body fats into
higher fatty acids which combine with calcium and ammonium ions
to form insoluble soaps. Ultimately, palmitic, oleic, stearic and
hydroxystearic acids are formed, mixture of these is known as
adipocere.
Adipocere formation starts in subcutaneous fat and is marked in
areas having excessive fat, eg. cheeks, female breast, buttocks and
abdomen. Slowly the whole body including muscles and internalviscera change into adipocere. Adipocere has offensive or sweetish
smell, however in early stages, smell is ammonical.
Body is converted into soft, waxy and brittle substance, it floats on
water, it can be cut easily, it dissolves in alcohol and ethers, and it
melts on heating. Facial features and injuries on body are well
preserved, thus identfication of body and determination cause of
death (in case of injury) are possible.
Normally adipocere formation requires 3 weeks to upto 3 to 6
months. However shortest recorded period in india is 3 days 22
hours. In india, it has been observed to begin within 4-5 days.
Adipocere may persist for years or decades. Adipocere does not
occur in foetus less than 7 month's.
Medicolegal importance : (i) Identification of body (facial features are
preserved), (ii) cause of death (injury marks are preserved), (iii) time
since death can be estimated.
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