SAPROPHYTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Saprophytic is an adjective that refers to a particular type of organism that obtains its nutrients by decomposing organic matter or feeding on dead or decaying plant or animal material. These organisms are called saprophytes.
The term saprophytic is commonly used in the field of biology to describe a specific mode of nutrition exhibited by certain bacteria, fungi, plants, and other microorganisms. These organisms play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning as they break down complex organic materials into simpler compounds, which are then recycled back into the environment.
Saprophytic organisms have developed specialized enzymes that enable them to breakdown and absorb nutrients from dead organic matter. They obtain energy and sustenance by decomposing dead cells, fallen leaves, decaying wood, or animal carcasses. This ability allows them to thrive in environments rich in organic material, such as forest floors, compost piles, or decaying logs.
The word saprophytic is derived from the Greek words "sapros," meaning "rotten," and "phyton," meaning "plant." It signifies the unique feeding strategy employed by these organisms. In contrast to other types of nutrition, such as photosynthesis or parasitism, saprophytism is characterized by its reliance on non-living organic matter for energy and nutrients.
Overall, the term saprophytic describes the relationship between an organism and its nutrition source, emphasizing the ability to extract sustenance from decaying organic material, resulting in a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling and decomposition processes.
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Relating to a saprophyte; obtaining nourishment from decaying vegetable matter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SAPROPHYTIC
- aaprophytic
- zaprophytic
- xaprophytic
- daprophytic
- eaprophytic
- waprophytic
- szprophytic
- ssprophytic
- swprophytic
- sqprophytic
- saorophytic
- salrophytic
- sa-rophytic
- sa0rophytic
- sapeophytic
- sapdophytic
Etymology of SAPROPHYTIC
The term "saprophytic" is derived from two Greek words: "sapro", meaning rotten or decaying, and "phytikos", meaning pertaining to plants. Therefore, the etymology of "saprophytic" suggests its association with plants that obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter or feeding on dead or decaying organisms.
Similar spelling words for SAPROPHYTIC
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