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

Source of nutrients and energy of microorganisms, Q. Source of nutrients an...

Q. Source of nutrients and energy of Microorganisms? Microorganisms use foods as a source of nutrients and energy. Each kind of microorganism has a definite range of food requi

How much salt is in the human body, How much salt is in the human body? ...

How much salt is in the human body? 50 Kilo human has about 7 tablespoons of salt inside there body.

Types of metamorphic changes, Types of Metamorphic Changes The proces...

Types of Metamorphic Changes The process of metamorphosis includes reactivation of the morphogenetic processes. The morphogenetic changes also the mode of causation of these

Find the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, On the overall process of cell-to-c...

On the overall process of cell-to-cell communication within the nervous system, what role does the Ca2+ play in the synapse? A) contributes in the biosynthesis of acetylcholine B)

What do you mean by hemoglobin f, Q. What is the hemoglobin F? Why does the...

Q. What is the hemoglobin F? Why does the fetus need different hemoglobin? Hemoglobin F is the hemoglobin found in the hemoglobin and mammalian fetus. A is the normal hemogl

Counselling technique of diabetic patient, Counselling a diabetic patient a...

Counselling a diabetic patient and their family members is very important as patient has to modify the life style and diet and needs family support. Therefore it is important for y

Which are the plant tissues that form the plant roots, Which are the plant ...

Which are the plant tissues that form the plant roots? The roots have a central portion known as medulla made of vascular tissue (inner xylem and outer phloem). The medulla is

Regeneration - root and shoot morphogenesis, Regeneration - Root and Shoot ...

Regeneration - Root and Shoot Morphogenesis Higher plants have three kinds of regenerative activities; All plants possess inherent ability to regenerate lost parts. Fo

Determine the type of bandage, Determine the type of bandage The most com...

Determine the type of bandage The most common type of bandage is the gauze bandage, a simple woven strip of material which comes in different widths and lengths.

What is the conjugate acid, Calculate the pH: 300mL of 0.25M sodium ascorba...

Calculate the pH: 300mL of 0.25M sodium ascorbate plus 150mL of 0.2M HCl (the pKa of ascorbic acid is 4.04) okay, what's the conjugate acid and base of this problem? Can someone wa

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