Adipocere formation requires the conversion of body fat to a waxy substance primarily composed of which chemical compound?
- A Saturated fatty acid soaps (calcium and magnesium salts of palmitic and stearic acids) ✓
- B Unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid esters
- C Cholesterol esters formed by esterification of free sterols
- D Glycerophospholipid remnants from degraded cell membranes
Correct answer: A. Saturated fatty acid soaps (calcium and magnesium salts of palmitic and stearic acids)
Explanation
Adipocere (saponification) is a postmortem change in which body fat undergoes hydrogenation and saponification, converting unsaturated fats into saturated fatty acids and then into insoluble calcium and magnesium soaps — primarily calcium palmitate and calcium stearate. This process requires moisture and anaerobic conditions; alkaline hydrolysis converts triglycerides to fatty acid soaps that resist putrefaction. Options B, C, and D describe lipid components that are broken down in the process rather than the end products.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.