forensics

Question 1

what is the normal body temprature

Answer 1

37

Question 2

State two conditions present in a peat bog that allow remains to be well preserved.

Answer 2

low oxygen, which slows microbial decomposition

Acidic inhibits decomposers

Question 3

what changes occour inside the body after the first week of death

Answer 3

body temperature falls- algor mortis

body stiffens- rigor mortis

accumulation of gases- bloating

Question 4

Describe the role of decomposers, such as microorganisms, in the carbon cycle

Answer 4

decomposers break down organic material and respire, releasing cO2 into the atmosphere

Question 5

what does carbon neutral mean

Answer 5

The amount of carbon produced is the same as the amount used

Question 6

Suggest two factors that could affect the accuracy of a PMI estimated using insect evidence.

Answer 6

Low temperature slows insect development

Body wrapped, buried, or indoors, delaying colonisation

Question 7

explain the effect of ambient temperature on the rate of decomposition

Answer 7

An increase in temperature increases the rate of decomposition/ decay

It also increases enzyme activity

and increases the growth rate of decomposers

Question 8

How do microorganisms break down the polysaccharide stems of plants

Answer 8

The stems contain starch or cellulose

Enzymes are secreted by microorganisms that break down glycosidic bonds

which releases glucose used by the microorganisms in respiration

Question 9

what effect does increasing temperature have on the rate of decomposition of leaves

Answer 9

An increase in temperature increases decomposition

The rate at which bacteria duplicate also increases

Enzyme-controlled reactions initially speed up, but after a certain temperature, they denature and reactions slow down

collisions of particles in reactions increase