Biology 7.2.4 Flashcards
What is the ‘Rate of Decay’?
The Rate of Decay is the Speed that Decomposers Break Down Biological Material, & is Affected by Temperature, Water, & Availability of Oxygen.
What are Factors that Affect the Rate of Decay? (3)
-Temperature.
-Water.
-Availability of Oxygen.
Explain the Rate of Decay Factor: ‘Temperature’: (3)
-At Warm Temps., Enzymes Involved in Decomposition can Work at a Faster Rate, Increasing the Rate of Decay.
-If the Temp. is too High, the Enzymes Denature, & so the Rate of Decay Decreases.
-At Low Temps., the Enzymes Involved in Decomposition Work Slowly, so the Rate of Decay Decreases. (This is why Food is Kept in the Fridge).
Explain the Rate of Decay Factor: ‘Water’: (2)
-Decomposers Require Water to Survive, as it is Essential for Certain Biological Processes.
-As Water Availability Decreases, the Rate of Decay Decreases.
Explain the Rate of Decay Factor: ‘Availability of Oxygen’: (3)
-Oxygen is Needed by Many Decomposers for Aerobic Respiration (they Cannot Survive Without Oxygen).
-For these Decomposers, the Rate of Decay Decreases as Oxygen Availability Decreases.
-However, Some Microorganisms Can Respire Anaerobically (they don’t Require Oxygen to Survive), Hence Resulting in Anaerobic Decay (eg in Biogas Generators).
What are 2 Common Uses of Decomposition? (2)
-Compost.
-Biogas Generators.
Gardeners & Farmers Try to Provide ___ ___ for ___ ___ of Waste Biological Material.
Optimum Conditions, Rapid Decay.
Why is Compost Used as a Natural Fertiliser?
Because the Decay of Biological Matter Returns Mineral Ions to the Soil for Use in Other, Growing, Plants.
What are ‘Biogas Generators’?
Biogas Generators are Large Containers in which Animal or Plant Waste is Allowed to Decay Anaerobically, Releasing Gases eg Methane, which is then Used in the Production of Energy.
