Decay Flashcards
what are detritivores?
organisms that feed on dead and decaying material
give 2 examples of detritivores
earthworms and maggots
how do detritivores increase the rate of decay?
by breaking up the detritus and so increasing the surface area for further microbial breakdown
how can the rate of decay be increased?
by increasing the temperature, amount of oxygen and water
what denatures enzymes?
having a higher temperature
give an example of a saprophyte?
a fungus
what is a saprophyte?
an organism that feeds on dead and decaying material
how do fungi digest food?
they produce enzymes to digest food outside their cells and then reabsorb the simple soluble substances.
what is this type of digestion called?
extracellular digestion
how is the rate of decay reduced in canned foods?
the food is heated to kill bacteria and then sealed in a vacuum to prevent entry of oxygen
what will freezing foods do to bacteria and fungi?
it will kill some bacteria and fungi and slow down their growth and reproduction
what does drying foods do to bacteria?
drying foods removes water so bacteria cannot feed and grow
