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    The document discusses the role of microorganisms in decomposition and decay. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi secrete enzymes that break down dead plants and animals into smaller molecules. This releases nutrients into the environment and returns carbon to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide and methane through microbial respiration. Microorganisms are thus important decomposers that recycle biological materials and nutrients as part of the carbon cycle.

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    The document discusses the role of microorganisms in decomposition and decay. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi secrete enzymes that break down dead plants and animals into smaller molecules. This releases nutrients into the environment and returns carbon to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide and methane through microbial respiration. Microorganisms are thus important decomposers that recycle biological materials and nutrients as part of the carbon cycle.

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    1 views3 pages

    Decomposition and Decay A Level Notes

    Uploaded by

    emmanuelngure04
    The document discusses the role of microorganisms in decomposition and decay. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi secrete enzymes that break down dead plants and animals into smaller molecules. This releases nutrients into the environment and returns carbon to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide and methane through microbial respiration. Microorganisms are thus important decomposers that recycle biological materials and nutrients as part of the carbon cycle.

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    International A Level Biology Your notes


    Edexcel
    Decomposition & Decay
    Contents
    6.16 T he Role of Microorganisms

    Page 1 of 3

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    6.16 The Role of Microorganisms


    Your notes
    Microorganisms & Decay
    Dead plants and animals are broken down by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi
    These organisms are known as decomposers
    They play an important role in recycling the chemical components needed by living organisms
    These decomposers secrete enzymes that break large organic molecules, such as cellulose,
    down into smaller ones
    These small molecules, such as glucose, can be broken down further during respiration
    During decomposition they also release waste products which provides nutrients to
    plants
    The microorganisms involved in decomposition produce CO 2 and methane which
    are released into the atmosphere
    Carbon dioxide can then be absorbed by green plants which will fix the carbon back into
    carbohydrates during photosynthesis

    Page 2 of 3

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    Microorganisms use biological molecules within dead tissue to fuel their respiration, releasing carbon
    back into the atmosphere in the process
    Your notes

    Page 3 of 3

    © 2015-2024 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers

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