Research news on decomposers

In ecology, decomposers are heterotrophic organisms—primarily bacteria and fungi—that chemically break down dead organic matter, waste products, and detritus into simpler inorganic compounds. They secrete extracellular enzymes that hydrolyze complex polymers such as cellulose, lignin, chitin, proteins, and lipids into soluble molecules that can be assimilated and further mineralized to CO₂, NH₄⁺, PO₄³⁻, and other nutrients. Decomposers thus mediate key biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur), regulate soil organic matter dynamics, influence ecosystem respiration, and determine nutrient availability for primary producers, strongly affecting ecosystem productivity, stability, and succession patterns.