Decomposition and decay
What Decomposition and decay means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Decomposition and decay
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Reference: AQA
Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste products, releasing mineral ions and carbon dioxide back to the environment.
The breakdown of biological material by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, whose enzymes digest the material.
Topics that use Decomposition and decay
- Decomposition (biology only) (AQA GCSE)
- How materials are cycled (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Aerobic respiration and oxygen
- Anaerobic decay
- Appropriate scales
- Biogas generators
- Building blocks for life
- Carbon cycle processes
- Combustion of fossil fuels
- Control of variables and rate calculations
Using Decomposition and decay in the exam
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