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

Explain about the lipoproteins, Explain about the Lipoproteins? These a...

Explain about the Lipoproteins? These are the Multicomponent complexes of lipids and proteins that form distinct molecular aggregates. They contain polar and neutral lipids, ch

Determine the binocular movements, Determine the Binocular movements Bi...

Determine the Binocular movements Binocular movements are those when the relative movements of both eyes are studied together in the directions, e.g., right or left. There are

Describe amoebae - paramecia and trichomonas, Q How do amoebae, paramecia a...

Q How do amoebae, paramecia and trichomonas respectively move? Amoebae move by amoeboid movements small invaginations and projections of their plasma membrane (pseudopods) that

List disbeliefs which patients have about insulin, Q. List disbeliefs which...

Q. List disbeliefs which patients have about insulin? a) Insulin is not effective. Some patients believe that insulin is not effective for treating diabetes. b) Insulin c

What is micrographia?, Micrographia is abnormally small, cramped handwritin...

Micrographia is abnormally small, cramped handwriting and/or the progression to continually smaller handwriting. This is one of the symptoms of Parkinson''s disease.

Is gene a triplet of consecutive dna nucleotides, Is gene a triplet of cons...

Is gene a triplet of consecutive DNA nucleotides A gene isn't a triplet of DNA nucleotides with their respective nitrogen-containing bases, like CGT or AAG. The nucleotide trip

What are the bone cells, Bone Cells Bone cells may be divided into two ...

Bone Cells Bone cells may be divided into two broad classifications depending on whether they make bone or resorb it. Osteoblasts make bone, while Osteoclasts resorb or take aw

Describe the nature of the polymorphism, 1. DNA damage can occur spontaneou...

1. DNA damage can occur spontaneously or be induced by external factors. Describe the types of DNA damage caused by external factors and how they are repaired in prokaryotes and eu

Reproductive systems, compare the lengths and paths of the uterine tubes (o...

compare the lengths and paths of the uterine tubes (oviducts) of the cat and the human

Give choice of catheters for ventriculography, Q. Give Choice of Catheters ...

Q. Give Choice of Catheters for Ventriculography? 1) Pigtail Catheter: This catheter developed by Judkins has end hole and side holes. The end hole permits insertion of the c

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