Question

What is catabolism in the context of decomposition?

Options

• The movement of water-soluble nutrients through soil layers

• The enzymatic degradation of detritus into simpler inorganic substances by bacteria and fungi

• The physical breakdown of detritus into smaller particles

• The formation and accumulation of humus

Answer 1

Catabolism is specifically the enzymatic degradation process carried out by bacteria and fungi. It is a chemical process distinct from fragmentation, where enzymes act on detritus to convert it into simpler inorganic substances. This step is crucial for breaking down the organic matter at the molecular level.