decay

Question 1

what is compost?

Answer 1

decomposed organic matter used as a natural fertiliser for crops and garden plants

Question 2

what do gardeners and farmers do and why?

Answer 2

try to provide optimum conditions for rapid
decay of waste biological material

Question 3

which animals are responsible decomposition?

Answer 3

-microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi
-detritus feeders

Question 4

describe the role of temperature in decay

Answer 4

-warmer temps make things decompose quicker because they increase the rate that enzymes involved in decomposition work at
-too hot, decomposition slows down or stops as they enzymes’ active site has changed shape due to bonds being broken, meaning the substrate no longer fits so it is denatured
-cold temps slow rate down as there is not enough energy

Question 5

describe the role of water availability in decay

Answer 5

decay takes place faster in moist environments because the organisms involved in decay need water to carry out biological processes

Question 6

describe the role of oxygen availability in decay

Answer 6

-organisms need oxygen to respire, ultimately to survive
-more oxygen, faster microorganisms work