Saprophytism is important to human life in the following ways;
- Recycling of materials by feeding on decaying organic matter, the saprophytes unlock and recycle nutrients which would otherwise have been lost with the dead organisms.
- Decomposition of sewage or waste; saprophytes aid the decomposition of waste produced by human activities. By this the bulk of the waste is reduced and nutrients made available to crops.
- Some saprophytes, especially fungi are used as food by man.
- Physiological processes of saprophytism and as fermentation are useful in brewing and baking.
- The production of yoghurt and cheese from milk also employs saprophytic mechanisms.
- Some saprophytes are used in the production of antibiotics.
- Industrial processes such as leather tanning and production of some vitamins make use of saprophytic organisms.
CATEGORIES Bio Questions and answers
TAGS Dr. Bbosa Science
