The smell of rotting flesh after death is persistent with which combination?

• A. Cadaverine and Putrescine
• B. Skatole and Indole
• C. Ammonia
• D. Hydrogen sulfide

Answer: (A)

The smell of rotting flesh is driven by volatile amines produced during bacterial putrefaction. Cadaverine and putrescine are the primary compounds formed from the breakdown of amino acids (lysine and ornithine) and they create the characteristic, long-lasting foul odor of decaying tissue. Skatole and indole also contribute to foul odors in decay, but they are not the main persistent signature for rotting flesh. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide have strong odors, but they produce different notes (sharp base odor and rotten-egg scent) rather than the classic persistent flesh odor dominated by cadaverine and putrescine.