What is the correct order of decomposition of body compounds?

What is the correct order of decomposition of body compounds?

• A. Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Bones
• B. Fats, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Bones
• C. Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Bones
• D. Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats, Bones

Answer: (A)

Different body compounds break down at different rates because of their chemical makeup and how readily microbes can attack them. Carbohydrates are simple and easily metabolized, so they decompose first. Proteins are more complex and require specific enzymes to break peptide bonds, so they take a bit longer. Fats are energy-dense and less accessible to microbes early on, and under certain conditions can persist longer (even forming adipocere), so they decompose after proteins. Bones are mineralized and highly resistant to decay, lasting the longest. So the sequence is carbohydrates first, then proteins, then fats, with bones last.

Different body compounds break down at different rates because of their chemical makeup and how readily microbes can attack them. Carbohydrates are simple and easily metabolized, so they decompose first. Proteins are more complex and require specific enzymes to break peptide bonds, so they take a bit longer. Fats are energy-dense and less accessible to microbes early on, and under certain conditions can persist longer (even forming adipocere), so they decompose after proteins. Bones are mineralized and highly resistant to decay, lasting the longest. So the sequence is carbohydrates first, then proteins, then fats, with bones last.