Saprophyte
Saprophyte
Saprophyte (pronunciation: /ˈsæprəˌfaɪt/) is a term used in the field of biology to describe organisms that obtain their nutrients from decaying organic matter. The term is derived from the Greek words "sapros" meaning rotten and "phyton" meaning plant.
Etymology
The term "saprophyte" is derived from the Greek words "sapros" and "phyton". "Sapros" translates to "rotten" or "decaying", and "phyton" translates to "plant". This term was originally used to describe plants that were thought to feed on decaying organic matter. However, it is now more commonly used to describe a wider range of organisms, including fungi and bacteria.
Definition
A saprophyte is an organism that feeds on dead and decaying organic matter. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem, as they help in the decomposition process, breaking down complex organic materials into simpler forms that can be used by other organisms.
Types of Saprophytes
There are many different types of saprophytes, including various species of fungi, bacteria, and some plants. Fungi and bacteria are the most common types of saprophytes, and they play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter.
Fungi
Fungi are a major group of saprophytes. They secrete enzymes that break down dead and decaying organic matter into simpler substances that they can absorb and use for growth and reproduction.
Bacteria
Many bacteria are also saprophytes. Like fungi, they secrete enzymes that break down organic matter into simpler substances.
Plants
While most plants are not saprophytes, there are a few exceptions. Some plants, such as the Indian pipe and certain orchids, lack chlorophyll and obtain their nutrients from decaying organic matter.
Role in the Ecosystem
Saprophytes play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They help in the decomposition of dead and decaying organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which can then be used by other organisms. Without saprophytes, the ecosystem would be overwhelmed with dead and decaying matter.
Related Terms
- Decomposer: An organism that breaks down dead or decaying organisms, and in doing so, carries out the natural process of decomposition.
- Detritivore: An organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, returning essential nutrients to the ecosystem.
- Scavenger: An organism that primarily feeds on dead and decaying organic matter.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saprophyte
- Wikipedia's article - Saprophyte
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski