Select the option that is true regarding the following two statements labelled Assertion and Reason. Assertion (A): Aerobic bacteria grow in meat and spoil it by causing souring, putrefaction, and taint. Reason (R): Putrefaction is usually caused by species of Clostridium which decompose proteins in meat with development of foul-smelling compounds and gas.
Options:

Correct option is D

Let’s evaluate both statements individually:
Assertion (A) is false: Aerobic bacteria can cause surface spoilage in meat like souring and off-odors. However, putrefaction—which is a deep tissue spoilage resulting in foul smells, slime, and gas—is primarily caused by anaerobic bacteria, not aerobic. So, the statement that aerobic bacteria cause putrefaction is incorrect.
Reason (R) is true: Clostridium species (such as Clostridium perfringens), which are anaerobic bacteria, are well-known for causing putrefaction in meat. They decompose proteins into amines, sulfur compounds, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, producing foul odors and gas.
Thus, the Assertion is false, but the Reason is true, making the correct answer Option (d).