RECYCLING LIFE

I. IntroductionA.

DefinitionB. Importance

Decomposing

The importance of decomposition

is the breaking of chemical bonds to release energy, inorganic molecules, and atoms into the environment.

stems from the recycling of material to sustain future generations of life.

C. Stages

1. Earlya.

LeechingDissolving of soluble molecules by water or other solvents.

b. FragmentingDon’t make this a hard

concept!

2. Latea.

MineralizationRelease of organically bound minerals into an inorganic form.

Do you help with this process?

D. Players

1. Macro-flora and Macro-fauna

a. Protistans and Monerans

2. Micro-flora and Micro-fauna

a. Fungi and Animals

Macro-flora

Macro-fauna

Micro-flora

Micro-fauna

II. ProcessA. Plant Material

1. Playersa. Animals Fungi

Bacteria b. Depends on molecular quality

1. Stepsa. Leechingb. Fragmentationc. Rates

Simple Sugars Protein Complex Sugars

B. Animal Material

1. Playersa. Animal Larva

Bacteria b. Easier due to molecular quality

III. Environmental InfluencesA. Heat

Issues

1. Effects on Rate

Denaturation

B. Light Issues

1. Effects on Rate

C. Water Issues

1. Precipitation Effects

2. Aquatic Effects

Recycle knowledge to see new application.