Which term refers to toxic byproducts formed during decomposition?

The term that refers specifically to toxic byproducts formed during decomposition is identified as ptomaines. These are organic compounds that are produced by the breakdown of proteins in dead organisms, particularly in the presence of certain bacteria. Ptomaines are often associated with the foul odor of decaying tissue and can be harmful to human health due to their toxic properties.

While other terms are related to the process of decomposition, they do not specifically denote the toxic byproducts. For instance, fermentation is a metabolic process involving the conversion of carbohydrates into alcohol or acids, typically under anaerobic conditions, but it does not encompass the broader category of toxic substances generated during decay. Putrescine is a type of polyamine that can be produced during the decomposition of amino acids, but it is just one of many compounds that can arise and lacks the broader implication of toxicity associated with ptomaines. Histamines, on the other hand, are biogenic amines involved in immune responses and are often associated with allergic reactions, but they do not directly relate to the byproducts of decomposition.

Therefore, ptomaines are distinct in their definition and relevance to the context of toxic byproducts formed during decomposition, highlighting their importance in the study of natural processes post-mortem.