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

Define about the paper chromatography, Define about the Paper Chromatograph...

Define about the Paper Chromatography? Paper chromatography is a very useful technique for separating mixtures of metal ions, anions, amino acids, sugars, dyes, drugs, etc. The

Normality, what is the normality law?

what is the normality law?

Explain the storage of vitamin e, Explain the Storage of Vitamin E? Vi...

Explain the Storage of Vitamin E? Vitamin E is mainly stored in muscles and adipose tissue. Vitamin E content of erythrocytes is about 20 percent of that in plasma and there i

Procedure of the second interphase period, Q. What are the events that mark...

Q. What are the events that mark the end and the beginning of the second interphase period and what happens in the cell in this period? The second interphase period is the S, i

Causes of gerd, In addition, pregnancy or constipation may worsen GERD by i...

In addition, pregnancy or constipation may worsen GERD by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Secondary causes of GERD include reflux caused by acid hypersecretory states, connec

Phylum , General characteristics of phylum

General characteristics of phylum

Explain proteins as lubricants, Explain Proteins as lubricants? The muc...

Explain Proteins as lubricants? The mucous of the respiratory tract, oral cavity, vaginal tract and the rectal cavity reduces the irritation which might be caused by materials

What is consanguineal marriage, What is consanguineal marriage? Why is the ...

What is consanguineal marriage? Why is the appearing of genetic disease more probable in the offspring of a consanguineal marriage? The Consanguineal marriage is the marriage b

What is the endocrine function of the placenta, Q. What is the endocrine fu...

Q. What is the endocrine function of the placenta? The placenta is not a permanent gland of the endocrine system other than this it also has endocrinal function. The placenta p

Life cycle of filarial worm, Life cycle of Filarial worm Filariasis : ...

Life cycle of Filarial worm Filariasis : It is popularly known as elephantiasis. It is caused by a nematode parasite, wuchereria bancrofti, and W.Malayi. Parasite : Wucher

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