Decay and nutrient cycling, Biology

Assignment Help:

Decay and Nutrient Cycling

Soil organisms are the chief agents of decay of organic matter. Decomposition and mineralisation of organic matter results in release of inorganic nutrients which can be absorbed by roots to sustain plant growth. In soil, the decomposers, that include a vast variety of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi act on the organic matter. These organisms bring about the hydrolysis and oxidation of organic compounds through their enzymes. Complex organic compounds are broken down into simpler compounds until at last, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are finally released as carbon dioxide and water. Other nutrients contained in the organic matter are released in inorganic form. You might recall that the conversion of nutrients present in the organic matter into inorganic form is termed as mineralisation. The whole process is as follows. Organisms like the fungi, ants, beetles, mites, slugs and snails, sometimes invade fragments of litter even before they fall on the ground. In subsequent transformations, each type of organic substance (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) as well as each stage in the breakdown of these substances, has its own specific set of saprophytes which act upon the organic material so that decay progresses by stages. For example, proteins are broken down successively into amino acids, ammonium salts, nitrites and nitrates, each step being the result of action of a different organism or group of organisms. Therefore, the process of decomposition consists of several overlapping cycles. As a result of decomposition of organic matter humus is formed. which is quite resistant to further alteration. You have already studied it earlier.


Related Discussions:- Decay and nutrient cycling

Protozoa, which symbiotic protozoa present in digestive tract of termites?

which symbiotic protozoa present in digestive tract of termites?

Explain the dark adaptation of vitamin a, Explain the Dark Adaptation of Vi...

Explain the Dark Adaptation of Vitamin A? In the early stages of VAD, the individual cannot see objects in dim light. This' phenomenon is used as a criterion for assessment in

Determine the blood plasma levels of oxytocin, Which of the following serve...

Which of the following serves as an actuating signal, or as part of an actuating signal, in a system with feedback? (Either positive feedback or negative feedback) A. Blood pla

Azotobacter, Azotobacter Azotobacter is known to possess the following...

Azotobacter Azotobacter is known to possess the following two mechanisms to protect its nitrogenase from oxygen inhibition. Respiratory protection and Confor

Circulatory system - blood vessels, BLOO D VESSELS - Some vessles s...

BLOO D VESSELS - Some vessles supply blood to wall of large vessels these are vessel of vessels or vasa vasorum . Mainly artery and vein, 2 types of vessels present.

Tertiary prevention- preventive strategies for food allergy, Define Tertiar...

Define Tertiary Prevention- preventive strategies for food allergy? Tertiary Prevention: Targets the control of factors that cause symptoms. This strategy would be appropriate

Orifices of heart, Atrio-ventricular Orifices The right and left atrio-v...

Atrio-ventricular Orifices The right and left atrio-ventricular orifices are oval apertures. The openings lie in a plane that is almost vertical with a slight downward inclinati

Where do most allergic reactions occur, Most of them happen on mucous membr...

Most of them happen on mucous membrane. Allergens enter the body by the process of inhalation or ingestion.

What are the etiological agents of malaria, Q. What are the etiological age...

Q. What are the etiological agents of malaria? The etiological agents of malaria are protozoans of the genus Plasmodium. There are four different kinds of plasmodia that cause

What is slime molds in diversity of life, What is Slime Molds in diversity ...

What is Slime Molds in diversity of life? Acrasiomycota and Myxomycota are appropriately named slime molds. They are slimy! The other part of their name comes from the time whe

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd