Define the term Saprotrophs.


The word Saprophyte is made of up of two words, sapro- + -phyte -----> "rotten material" + "plant".


Saprophytes or saprotrophs are those organisms that get their energy from dead and decaying organic matter. This may be decaying pieces of plants or animals.

They break down the complex organic matter into simpler substances that are absorbed by the plants for various metabolic activities.

Most common saprophytes are fungi and bacteria. 

For example-

Fungi like mushrooms, mucor.

Bacteria like Lactobacillus, Rhizopus, and Yeast.


Saprophyte is an important part of the food chain as they decompose decay organisms and release nutrients into the soil, required for plant growth.

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Updated on: 27-Apr-2023

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