NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -saprotroph, also called saprophyte or saprobe, organism that feeds on nonliving organic matter known as detritus at a microscopic level. The etymology of the word saprotroph comes from the Greek saprós (“rotten, putrid”) and trophē (“nourishment”).

Detailed explanation-2: -Saprophytes are organisms that get their nutrition from dead organic matter, including fallen wood, dead leaves or dead animal bodies. Saprophytes do not usually hurt living organisms. The reason saprophytes are so beneficial to the environment is that they are the primary recyclers of nutrients.

Detailed explanation-3: -decomposer. noun. organism that breaks down dead organic material; also sometimes referred to as detritivores.

Detailed explanation-4: -Process. As matter decomposes within a medium in which a saprotroph is residing, the saprotroph breaks such matter down into its composites. Proteins are broken down into their amino acid composites through the breaking of peptide bonds by proteases. Lipids are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol by lipases.

Detailed explanation-5: -A saprotroph is a type of decomposer that feeds exclusively on dead and decaying plant matter. Saprotrophic organisms include fungi, bacteria, and water molds which are critical to decomposition and nutrient cycling, providing nutrition for consumers at higher trophic levels.