What substance is transformed into adipocere through saponification?

Adipocere, also known as "grave wax," is a waxy substance resulting from the postmortem decomposition process, particularly when conditions are conducive to saponification. Saponification is the chemical reaction that occurs when fats are broken down in the presence of water and alkaline conditions, leading to the formation of fatty acids and glycerol. In the context of decomposition, it is the fats, primarily triglycerides, in the body that undergo this transformation.

When the body is buried or submerged in water, and if the environment is low in oxygen, the fatty tissues can break down and react with alkaline substances (like soil or certain bacteria), resulting in adipocere. This process preserves the shape and some of the aspects of the body, allowing for significantly slower decomposition compared to other tissues.

Proteins, sugars, and starches undergo different decomposition pathways that do not lead to the formation of adipocere through saponification, making fats the key substance in this process.