Decomposer

Definition

An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead material and waste.

Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR

Specification 4.7.2.3, 4.7.4.1, 4.8 · Paper 1, Paper 2

An organism, usually a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead material and biological waste.
Decomposition is the breakdown of dead organisms and waste biological material. It is carried out mainly by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms secrete digestive enzymes onto the material, absorb the small soluble products and use some of them in respiration and growth.
Revise: Decomposition
An organism that breaks down dead plant and animal matter by secreting enzymes into its surroundings.
Revise: Trophic Levels

1
When explaining decay rate, link each condition to decomposers: temperature affects enzyme activity, water is needed for their activity, and oxygen permits aerobic respiration.
2
State that decomposers release carbon dioxide when they respire; decomposition and respiration are connected but are not the same process.
3
For each preservation method, link the changed condition to the decomposers and then to a slower rate of decay.

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A microorganism that breaks down dead organisms and waste.

Specification 9.12, 9.13, 9.17B, 9.18B · Paper 2

An organism that breaks down dead organisms and waste, returning materials to the environment.
Carbon can return to the air when organisms respire and when decomposers break down dead material. The carbon moves through the ecosystem even though it becomes part of different substances along the way.
Revise: Cycling of Materials
Revise: Carbon Cycle
An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down biological material.
Revise: Decomposition in Food Preservation

1 more note

A microorganism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead organic material and waste.
Revise: Decomposition in Composting

Specification B4.1b, B4.1d · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)

An organism that breaks down dead organic material and waste, releasing materials that can be reused in an ecosystem.
Microorganisms, especially bacteria and microscopic fungi, act as decomposers: they feed on dead material and waste and break them into simpler substances.
Revise: Role of microorganisms
An organism, commonly a bacterium or fungus, that obtains nutrients by breaking down dead material and waste.
Revise: Factors affecting decomposition

Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)

A bacterium or microscopic fungus that breaks down dead organisms or waste material.
Microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, act as decomposers. They break down dead organisms and waste, making substances available for use again in the ecosystem.
Revise: Role of Microorganisms
Bacteria or fungi that break down dead organic material and waste.
Revise: Decomposition Factors