What term describes the decomposition of proteins by the action of anaerobic bacteria?

The term that describes the decomposition of proteins by the action of anaerobic bacteria is putrefaction. This process occurs when bacteria break down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment, leading to the production of various gases and byproducts. Putrefaction is a key stage in the decomposition process and is characterized by distinctive odors, often associated with the breakdown of proteins and the activity of specific anaerobic bacteria.

In contrast, decay generally refers to the breakdown of all organic matter, which can involve both aerobic and anaerobic processes, and is broader than just protein decomposition. Detriments and corruption do not specifically pertain to the decomposition of proteins or the action of bacteria in a biological context, making them unrelated to the process of putrefaction. Hence, putrefaction is the most accurate term for the specific action being described.