Question

Post-mortem autolysis is mainly caused by

• A. Mitochondrial disruption
• B. Lysosomal disruption
• C. Nuclear disruption
• D. Cytoplasmic enzyme

Hint:

Autolysis: Disruption of Lysosomes releases acid hydrolases (cathepsins) causing post-mortem self-digestion of tissues.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Post-mortem cellular degradation involves anoxic membrane failure and rupture of lysosomal vacuoles releasing acid hydrolases into the cytosol.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Upon somatic death, cessation of blood circulation causes immediate cellular hypoxia and ATP depletion:
- Failure of ATP-dependent membrane ion pumps leads to intracellular acidosis and disruption of the limiting membrane of Lysosomes ('suicide bags').
- Lysosomes release a battery of potent acid hydrolases (cathepsins, acid phosphatases, nucleases, proteases) directly into the cytoplasm at acidic pH, catalyzing self-digestion of cellular proteins and organelles (Autolysis).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, post-mortem autolysis is mainly caused by Lysosomal disruption, matching option (B).