Which statement about molecular death is CORRECT?
- A It occurs simultaneously in all cells of the body at the moment cardiac activity ceases
- B It precedes somatic death and lasts a few seconds
- C It is the phase in which individual cells die at different rates depending on their oxygen requirement ✓
- D During this phase resuscitation of the individual as a whole is still possible
Correct answer: C. It is the phase in which individual cells die at different rates depending on their oxygen requirement
Explanation
Molecular death follows somatic death and is asynchronous: cells die at different times according to their metabolic demand. Cortical neurones are most vulnerable and die within minutes, whereas corneal epithelium, skin, bone and even spermatozoa may remain viable for many hours. Option D describes somatic death, during which the organism can still be revived as a whole because cellular life persists; once molecular death supervenes, revival of the individual is impossible.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
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