'Cadaverine' is a foul-smelling molecule produced by
protein hydrolysis during
putrefaction of animal tissue. Cadaverine is a toxic diamine with the formula NH
2(CH
2)
5NH
2, which is similar to
putrescine. Cadaverine is also known by the names 1,5-pentanediamine and pentamethylenediamine.
Production
Cadaverine is the
decarboxylation product of the
amino acid lysine.
However, this
diamine is not purely associated with putrefaction. It is also produced in small quantities by living beings. It is partially responsible for the distinctive smell of
urine and
semen.
[ Cadaverine@Everything2.com ]
See also
★
Putrescine
References