The Carbon Cycle & Decomposition Flashcards
Compound
2 marks
A substance formed by the chemical union of 2 or more elements.
Decompose
2 marks
If a substance decomposes, it breaks down into simpler compounds or elements.
Food chain
3 marks
A sequence (usually shown as a diagram) of feeding relationships between organisms
- showing which organisms eat what and the movement of energy through trophic levels.
Inorganic
1 mark
Not derived from living matter.
Molecule
2 marks
A collection of 2 or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Organic
1 mark
Derived from living matter.
Secrete
2 marks
To release a substance, in this case an enzyme.
Nutrient Cycles
6 marks
Within an ecosystem;
Nutrients - begin as simple inorganic compounds (CO2 and nitrate ions)
- taken in by a plant and used to make more complex biological molecules.
Molecules - passed along the food chains.
When plants + animals die = complex biological molecules decomposed.
Where do nutrients begin as simple inorganic compounds?
1 mark
Within an ecosystem.
What do nutrients begin as in the ecosystem?
2 marks
Simple inorganic compounds.
CO2 + Nitrate ions
What are taken in by a plant + used to make more complex biological molecules?
(2 marks)
Simple inorganic compounds
CO2 + Nitrate Ions
What take in Simple inorganic compounds (CO2 + Nitrate Ions)?
(1 mark)
A plant
Why does a Plant take in Simple Inorganic Compounds such as CO2 + Nitrate Ions?
(2 marks)
To make more Complex Biological Molecules
- that can be passed along the food chains.
How do Complex Biological Molecules transfer to animals if originally produced by plants?
(1 mark)
Passing along the food chain
in food consumed by animal
What happens to Complex Biological Molecules once an Organism dies?
(2 marks)
They decompose
- plants can then absorb + reuse these simple compounds, completing the cycle.
Decomposition of organisms
3 marks
The process by which bacteria + fungi break dead organisms into their simple compounds
- after they have decayed.
Decay
2 marks
The process in which dead organisms are broken down into smaller pieces
-organisms such as earthworms are involved in this process.
Decomposing bacteria + fungi are described as…
1 mark
Saprophytic
What do plants do with the Simple Compounds produced after Complex Biological Molecules are decomposed?
(2 marks)
Absorb + reuse the compounds.
Why are decomposing bacteria + fungi described as saprophytic
(1 mark)
because of the way they break down dead organic matter.
Saprophytic nutrition involves:
4 marks
Bacteria/fungi secreting enzymes out of their cells into the soil or dead organism
- enzymes digest the organic material (extracellular digestion)
- products of digestion are absorbed by the bacteria/fungi.
The enzymes digest the organic material during ‘Saprophytic Nutrition’
what is the name of this process?
(1 mark)
Extracellular Digestion
Where do the Enzymes digest organic matter during the Saprophytic process? (Extracellular digestion)
(1 mark)
Outside the cells.
Extracellular digestion;
Explained
(6 marks)
Process in which Saprobionts feed by secreting enzymes through the cell membrane onto food
- Enzymes catalyse the digestion of food into molecules small enough to be taken up by passive Diffusion, transport of phagocytosis.
