role of microorganisms in maintaining balance in the environment and food web Flashcards
1
Q
what produces their own organic nutrients by what
A
autotrophic bacteria and protists by photosynthesis and chemosynthesis
2
Q
what breaks down dead organic matter to their building blocks
A
decomposition bacteria, saprophytic fungi and protists
3
Q
what’s released during decomposition
A
water
carbon dioxide
ammonia
and heat energy
are released into the soil, water and air
4
Q
what elements are recycled in the environment and makes more available for uptake of plants
A
carbon
nitrogen
phosphorus
sulphur
5
Q
what converts free nitrogen into nitrates
A
free living soil bacteria and nodule bacteria
6
Q
why do plants need nitrogen
A
to produce plant proteins
plants cannot absorb nitrogen
7
Q
what is responsible for more than 50% of the oxygen that is produced during photosynthesis
A
algae
