(no subject)

[ladynox25]

Here's a question for everyone:

As we all know, bacteria are the main source of decomposition in our lives (and deaths). Something dies, and bacteria decompose it down to its component elements and compounds, which then fuel new life.

So, what would happen if you took a sealed system, a laboratory vial or somesuch, that contained bacteria--and nothing but bacteria (no viruses, fungi, yeast, etc.)--and introduced an something (an antibiotic, say) into it that then proceded to kill off 100% of the bacteria in the vial. So you have a vial full of dead bacteria, and nothing else. What's going to decompose the bacteria?

Comments

[juuro.livejournal.com]

The enzymes that are released from the cells and organelles within the cells will do some of the decomposition. Some decomposition will take place as pure chemical reactions. But given suitable conditions, you could achieve mummification -- the preservation of the non-living organic tissue. The chemical breakdown will be slo-o-o-o-ow.

[lederhosen.livejournal.com]

Not much. There'll be a certain amount of self-digestion, and they won't look quite the same because the regulation on things like fluid content will go. Effectively, you've embalmed them.

[turnberryknkn.livejournal.com]

Rather than an antibiotic -- which might not kill everything -- hit the vial with high-strength radiation. That would effectively accomplish what you were getting at.

Essentially, what you've just done is sterilization, which is used precisely to prevent stuff from decomposing on other than chemical, very slow, long-term rates.