Biochemistry

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Description

Chemical name: 1,5-diaminopentane

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Cadaverine is a foul-smelling molecule produced by protein hydrolysis during putrefaction of animal tissue. Cadaverine is a toxic diamine with the formula NH2(CH2)5NH2, which is similar to putrescine. Cadaverine is also known by the names 1,5-pentanediamine and pentamethylenediamine.

Cadaverine is derived from the amino acid lysine by decarboxylation. Its synthesis is catalyzed by lysine decarboxylase [EC 4.1.1.18]. Cadaverine may play an important role in root development (Gamarnik and Frydman, 1991).

However, this diamine is not purely associated with putrefaction. It is also produced in small quantities by living beings. It is partially responsible for the distinctive smell of semen. [1]

Discussion

Attribution