Decomposition The Role of Microorganisms What is Decomposition

Decomposition The Role of Microorganisms

What is Decomposition? • Decomposition, or rotting, is what happens to living things when they die. • It also happens to organic material of any kind, such as foodstuffs. • The reason it happens is that organic molecules are stores of building blocks and energy. Whatever breaks down organic material uses the energy and building blocks to reproduce itself

What Carries Out Decomposition? • A large part of decomposition is done by microbes, especially bacteria and fungi. • Also common is digestion of flesh by maggots. If insects lay eggs, maggots hatch and begin to feed on the body's tissues.

The Importance of Decomposition • The process ensures that the nutrients in the organic matter are broken down and recycled for other organisms to reuse them • Their role is also important in terms of space. They free up the physical space any dead organism takes up.

Time Lapse Video to Show Decomposition • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=S 12 z. Zhd. Ockc

Factors That Affect The Rate of Decomposition • Can you think of any factors (things) that would affect how quickly decomposition would take place? What could speed up how fast organic material decomposes? What could slow it down? • Temperature • Moisture level • Light intensity • p. H – how acidic or alkaline something is

Observation Experiment – normally we would carry this out in the lab but you can give this a go at home! • You can now investigate one of these factors. Ask a parent or carer to help you – this is totally optional! • Add a piece of fruit to 3 plastic zip lock bas – use waste fruit like an apple core, label with your name, today’s date and the factor you changed • If you wish you can use your mobile phones to take pictures of your decomposing fruit over the next week! Factor Condition Moisture Add 5 ml of Water Add No Water Add some silica gel – if you have any in shoe boxes or parcels delivered. They come in little sachets. Do not open them Temperature Fridge Room Under a radiator Light Intensity Next to Window Under Desk In a Cupboard p. H Dip in lemon Juice Dip in Boiled Water Dip in baking soda