Scientists Unveil Genetic Secrets Behind Corpse Flower's Stench and Heat

Researchers have discovered the molecular processes that cause the corpse flower's infamous odor and unusual heat generation during its rare blooms.

The corpse flower, or titan arum, emits a smell akin to rotting flesh to attract pollinators like flies and beetles.
A Dartmouth-led study identified putrescine and sulfur compounds as key contributors to the flower's odor.
The plant's ability to generate heat, known as thermogenesis, is linked to genes expressing alternative oxidases.
RNA analysis revealed that methionine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, plays a crucial role in producing the flower's stench.
The study provides the first molecular-level insights into the corpse flower's unique biological mechanisms.