Decay and Decomposers

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what do decomposers do?
-break down waste materials
-they return carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere and mineral ions back to the soil
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what is an example of a decomposer?
certain types of bacteria and fungi
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what are the conditions needed for decomposition?
-oxygen
-moister
-suitable temperature
-suitable pH
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how do decomposers break down waste?
-they secrete enzymes that partly digest the waste
-they then take up the small soluble food molecules
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how do gardeners use decomposition and why?
-gardeners try to provide optimum conditions in compost heaps
-once decayed compost can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants
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how does the food industry preserve food (stop it from decaying)?
they remove/alter one of the factors needed for decay
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what is produced when waste is decomposed anaerobically?
methane
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how can the products of anaerobically decomposed waste be used?
bio gas generators can be used to produce bio gas from waste which is used for fuel
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

what is an example of a decomposer?

Back

certain types of bacteria and fungi

Card 3

Front

what are the conditions needed for decomposition?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

how do decomposers break down waste?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

how do gardeners use decomposition and why?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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