What is Putrefaction?
[[File:Rogers body.jpg|thumb|Putrefaction in human hands after several days underwater in Florida, United States]] [[File:FaulerApfel.jpg|thumb|An [[apple]] where putrefaction has started]] '''Putrefaction''' is a natural process of [[wikt:decay|decay]]. [[Microorganism]]s break down [[organic]] materials. Usually it occurs after the death of a [[plant]] or an [[animal]]. The process consists of many steps. The total time it takes is dependent on various factors, such as the availability of [[oxygen]]. Putrefaction involves [[fermentation]]. Putrefaction is important, because elements such as [[nitrogen]], [[phosphorus]] and [[sulfur]] which are bound in the dead matter are converted into a form that is usable by plants. [[Category:Death]] [[Category:Biology]]