Question

What is the primary reason lignin and chitin slow down decomposition?

Options

• They prevent fragmentation by detritivores

• They are tough, structural compounds that are resistant to microbial degradation

• They neutralise the enzymes produced by bacteria and fungi

• They increase the moisture content of detritus

Answer 1

Lignin is a tough, structural plant compound found in plant cell walls, while chitin is found in fungal cell walls and insect exoskeletons. Both are chemically complex and resistant to microbial enzymatic degradation. Therefore, detritus rich in these compounds decomposes more slowly because decomposers have difficulty breaking them down chemically.