Putrescine

Putrescine is a tetramine and an organic compound with the formula NH2(CH2)4NH2. It is named after the foul odor it produces when heated, which is reminiscent of putrefying flesh. Putrescine is produced in small amounts by the human body and is found in various foods, but it is also a product of bacterial decomposition and is often associated with bad breath and body odor.

Structure and properties

Putrescine is a colorless, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and has a strong, unpleasant odor. It is a diamine, meaning it has two amino groups, and it is a tetramine, meaning it has four nitrogen atoms. The molecule is symmetrical, with the two amino groups at opposite ends of a four-carbon chain.

Biological role

In humans and other animals, putrescine is produced as part of the urea cycle, which is the process by which the body breaks down and excretes excess nitrogen. It is also produced by the decarboxylation of the amino acid ornithine by the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase. Putrescine can be further converted into other polyamines, such as spermidine and spermine, which play important roles in cell growth and function.

Health effects

While small amounts of putrescine are normal and necessary for human health, excessive levels can be harmful. High levels of putrescine have been associated with various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. It is also a component of the foul odor associated with halitosis (bad breath) and body odor.

See also

• Cadaverine
• Histamine
• Polyamine
• Spermidine
• Spermine

References

Putrescine Resources
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