TOD (6.1 & 6.2)

Question 1

List the ways that time of death can be determined

Answer 1

Entomology, body temperature, stage of rigor mortis

Question 2

Explain how the rate of cooling can be used to determine the time of death

Answer 2

If rate of cooling can be found it will allow people to identify when the body died by back tracking to a bodies normal temperature allowing scientists to establish a time of death

Question 3

Describe the stages of rigor mortis

Answer 3

Once a body dies it uses remaining energy stored and ATP in order to keep muscles relaxed and prevent them from tensing. However, 2-3 hours after death energy stores will deplete and result in the tensing of all muscles as they lock into place. Smaller muscles will tend to tense up first

Question 4

Explain why the rate of decomposition but can impacted by environmental temperature

Answer 4

Environmental temperature will affect the condition of the body and may provide the optimal conditions for enzymes or bacteria to function optimally when decaying.

Question 5

Microorganisms use polymers in organic matter as a source of glucose for respiration. Explain how microorganisms break down cellulose and lignin in plant material

Answer 5

Microorganisms will release enzymes when breaking down plants which will hydrolyse bonds between molecules breaking down cellulose and lignin allowing microorganisms to use the organic matter as glucose for respiration

Question 6

Explain why decomposition can contribute to the greenhouse effect

Answer 6

Decomposition involves breaking down dead organic matter via microorganisms for energy. Dead organic matter tends to store carbon so by breaking it down releases the energy back into the atmosphere contributing to the greenhouse effect