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

What are the results of atrial septal defect, What are the results of Atria...

What are the results of Atrial Septal Defect ? Mortality for ASD closure has approached 0 per cent in most cardiac surgery centers. Late survival of patients who has ASD closu

Explain precautions for capsule staining in a culture, Explain Precautions ...

Explain Precautions for capsule staining in a culture? 1. Never heat fix the smear. This is because by heating shrinkage can occur which may create a clear zone around the cell

Which of these are best and why, Suppose you were presented with two 40X le...

Suppose you were presented with two 40X lenses to use on your microscope, lens A had a numerical aperture of 0.56 and lens B had a numerical aperture of 0.75. Which is best and why

What is arsenite inhibitor, What is Arsenite  inhibitor Arsenite inhib...

What is Arsenite  inhibitor Arsenite inhibits synthesis of ATP,  in the conversion of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate  to 3- phosphoglycerate, by  causing uncoupling of oxidation and

What is absorption, What is absorption?   Absorption involves  the  tr...

What is absorption?   Absorption involves  the  transfer of materials  through  the mucosa of the  alimentary tract  into blood and lymph vessels.

Surgical management, Surgical Management: Surgical management consists...

Surgical Management: Surgical management consists of  primary repair which involves end to end anastomosis with excision of  the fistula and delayed and staged surgery. When t

Determine the symptoms of campylobacteriosis, Determine the Symptoms of Cam...

Determine the Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis Symptoms:  C. jejuni infection causes diarrhoea, which may be watery or sticky and can contain blood and faecal  leukocytes (white

Physiological characteristics of molds, Q. Physiological Characteristics of...

Q. Physiological Characteristics of molds? The physiological characteristics of molds will be reviewed only briefly here and will be discussed in more detail subsequently. Mois

Non-muscular movement, NON-MUSCULA R MOVEMENT - 1 .      Streaming m...

NON-MUSCULA R MOVEMENT - 1 .      Streaming movement - In amoeba, cyclosis is common. 2 .      Pseudopodial - In leucocyte, macrophages, amoeboid movement take place

Bluetongue, Bluetongue Bluetongue (BT), a viral disease, transmitted by...

Bluetongue Bluetongue (BT), a viral disease, transmitted by Culicoides midges, is an infectious, non-contagious disease of ruminants including sheep, goat and cattle, is charac

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