THE THERMIC EFFECT OF DEATH

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Thermodynamics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Living matter is composed of complex molecules with high molecular weights.
• The decomposition of these molecules is associated with heat release.
• Understanding the energetic changes during biological decomposition is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the thermic effect associated with the death of yeast cells.
• To compare the heat released during biological decomposition with that of chemical explosives.
• To explain the inherent instability of biomolecules based on decomposition energetics.

Main Methods:

• Calorimetric measurements were performed on yeast samples.
• The thermic effect was determined per gram of dry yeast substance.
• Comparisons were made with known heat outputs of exothermic chemical reactions and explosives.

Main Results:

• The thermic effect of death in yeast was measured at approximately 2 gm. calories per gram of dry substance.
• This value is significantly lower than the heat produced by most exothermic chemical reactions.
• Decomposition of high molecular weight biomolecules releases more heat than some explosive substances.

Conclusions:

• The decomposition of biomolecules during death is an energetically significant process.
• The high molecular weight of biological compounds contributes to the substantial heat release upon decomposition.
• This energetic release explains the inherent instability observed in the principal compounds of living matter.