Decay and respiration Flashcards
Describe the process of saprotrophic feeding (6)
1) Maggots are known as detritivores (along with earthworms, millipedes and woodlice)
2) They eat dead plant and animal material, digesting and breaking it down
3) This gives the dead material a larger surface area for the decomposers to act on
4) Bacteria and fungi (decomposers) chemically break down dead materials, releasing nutrients into the soil
5) Saprophytes release enzymes onto the dead material and then absorb the nutrients
6) This is known as saprotrophic feeding
What do decomposers need to survive? (4)
Plenty of dead material
Oxygen
Suitable temperature
Moisture
How does temperature affect decay?
High temperatures prevent decay, low temperatures slow decay
Why does temperature affect decay?
High temperatures destroy enzymes and proteins, killing the organisms responsible for decay.
Low temperatures slow the rate of reaction of enzymes and will prevent growth and reproduction.
How does oxygen affect decay?
Lack of oxygen will slow or prevent most forms of decay
Why does oxygen affect decay?
Oxygen is needed for respiration by organisms. Some bacteria can survive without oxygen, such as those used in biogas generators.
How does water affect decay?
Lack of water will slow or prevent decay
Why does water affect decay?
Water is needed for transport and to support reactions inside organisms. Decay organisms need water to digest their food.
What is the process of respiration?
Respiration releases energy for cells from glucose
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration uses oxygen, whereas anaerobic respiration doesn’t.
What is the word equation for aerobic respiration?
Glucose + Oxygen => Carbon dioxide + Water (+ energy)
Where do most of the reactions take place in aerobic respiration? What are they controlled by?
The mitochondria, in the cytoplasm of the cell. The reaction are controlled by enzymes.
