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1. GCSE triple master > B14d Decomposition (triple only) > Flashcards

B14d Decomposition (triple only) Flashcards

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1
Q

What does decomposition mean?

A

Breakdown of dead materials into simpler organic matter

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2
Q

How do decomposers breakdown dead material?

A

Decomposers release enzymes which catalyse the breakdown of dead material into smaller molecules

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3
Q

Name factors that affect the rate of decomposition

A

Temperature
Water
Availability of oxygen

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4
Q

Why is oxygen requited for decomposition?

A

Requited by most decomposers for aerobic respiration

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5
Q

How does the availability of oxygen affect the rate of decomposition?

A

As oxygen levels increase the rate of decomposition increases

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6
Q

Why can decomposition still occur in the absence of oxygen?

A

Some decomposers respire anaerobically

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7
Q

Describe how soil water content affects the rate of decomposition?

A

Decomposers require water to survive
In moist conditions the rate of decomposition is high
In waterlogged soils there is little oxygen for respiration so the rate of decomposition decreases

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8
Q

Describe how temperature affects the rate of decomposition?

A

Decomposers release enzymes
Rate highest at 50C (optimum)
Lower temperature enzymes work slowly therefore rate decreases
Higher temperature enzymes denature and decomposition stops

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9
Q

How is the rate of decomposition calculated?

A

Rate of change = change in value/time

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10
Q

Describe the conditions needed for rapid decay of waste biological material

A

Warm temperature - optimum temperature for enzymes

Oxygen - for aerobic respiration

Water - required for metabolism

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11
Q

What is compost?

A

Nutrient rich product produced by rapid decomposition of dead plants and animal waste in optimum conditions.
Used by gardeners and farmers

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12
Q

Why is compost used?

A

Natural fertiliser

Contains lots of minerals

Promotes growth of crops or garden plants

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13
Q

Describe how biogas generators work

A

Produce methane

Due to anaerobic decomposition of animal waste

Methane is used as a fuel

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14
Q

What happens to the pH when fresh milk is decomposed?

A

Decreases

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15
Q

What causes the decrease in pH when milk decomposes?

A

Proteins broken down into amino acids

Lipids broken down into fatty acids

Fatty acids and amino acids decrease the pH

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1. GCSE triple master (39 decks)

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