How do bacteria decompose dead plants and animals and bacteria and fungi as decomposers list advantages of decomposers to the environment?
@ RK Naresh Bacteria decompose a dead body by releasing enzymes into the body. The enzymes break the body into simpler compounds such as acidic and gaseous components. Bacteria colonize the body especially when the moisture is high while fungi colonize the latter stage.
Fungi on the other hand decompose a body by using mycelium and by releasing enzymes. The fungal spores form hyphae which aggregate to form a mycelium. In conjunction with bacteria, fungi cause the decomposition of tones of dead plants and animals
Advantages
The environment becomes less littered with dead bodies of organisms
The decomposed body adds nutrient to soil and also enhances recycling of nutrients and gases
When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers like bacteria, fungi and earthworms. Decomposers or saprotrophs recycle dead plants and animals into chemical nutrients like carbon and nitrogen that are released back into the soil, air and water. Decomposers (fungi, bacteria, invertebrates such as worms and insects) have the ability to break down dead organisms into smaller particles and create new compounds. We use decomposers to restore the natural nutrient cycle through controlled composting. Bacteria and fungi are called decomposer because they break down the dead and decaying organic matter into a simpler substance. It provides the nutrients back to the soil. Bacteria and Fungi are the organisms involved in the decomposition process. They secrete enzymes that help in the digestion of dead organic matter. Hence, the decomposition of dead remains of plants and animals is done by both fungi and bacteria. Decomposers feed on dead plants and animal tissues. They convert them into humus. When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers like bacteria, fungi and earthworms. Decomposers or saprotrophs recycle dead plants and animals into chemical nutrients like carbon and nitrogen that are released back into the soil, air and water. Bacteria and fungi are called decomposers because bacteria and fungi break down the dead and decaying organic matter into simpler substances and provide the nutrients back to the soil. Advantages of decomposers to the environment they act as natural scavengers and they help in recycling of nutrients. Decomposers in ecosystems act as environmental cleaners by decaying dead plants and animals. They aid in the recycling of nutrients. They make room for a new life in the biosphere by decaying the dead. Bacteria and fungi are said decomposers because they break down the dead and decaying organic matter into simpler substances such as carbon dioxide, water, simple sugars, and mineral salts and provide the nutrients back to the soil. Decomposition is the first stage in the recycling of nutrients that have been used by an organism to build its body. It is the process whereby the dead tissues break down and are converted into simpler organic forms. These are the food source for many of the species at the base of ecosystems. Together with bacteria, fungi are responsible for breaking down organic matter and releasing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere. Bacteria and fungi are called decomposers because they break down the dead and decaying organic matter into simpler substances such as carbon dioxide, water, simple sugars, and mineral salts and provide the nutrients back to the soil.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Phytochemistry
- Extracts