NEETBotanyEcosystem
What do decomposers secrete to break down dead and waste materials?
Options
- AEnergy
- BProteins
- CEnzymes
- DMinerals
Correct answer
C. Enzymes
Step-by-step solution
Decomposers secrete digestive enzymes that breakdown dead and waste materials into simple, inorganic materials. The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter. It is made up of decomposers which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. These are also known as saprotrophs (sapro: to decompose ). Decomposers secrete digestive enzymes that breakdown dead and waste materials into simple, inorgani