organic material

Biologist

2022

We explain what organic matter is and how it is classified. Also, its importance, examples and differences with inorganic matter.

When we speak of organic matter we refer to that which is linked to life.

What is organic matter?

Organic matter is the matter made up of chemical compounds that contain carbon atoms, which is why the organic chemistry like "carbon chemistry." When we speak of organic matter, we refer to that which is linked to life: the one that makes up the bodies of living beings, as well as most of its substances and waste materials.

In geological terms, organic matter constitutes the most superficial layer of the soil, composed of the decomposing remains of living beings, such as plants, animals and residues that provide various nutrients to producer organisms, like vegetation. The soils the most fertile are those with the greatest presence of organic matter.

Types of organic matter

Organic matter is generally made up of:

  • Protein. They are linear chains of amino acids that form macromolecules with determined physicochemical properties, according to its complexity.
  • Lipids. They are hydrophobic compounds that include fatty acids, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, glycerides, and phospholipids. They fulfill functions of energy storage, cell signaling and conformation of cell membranes.
  • Carbohydrates. They are carbohydrates or saccharides, that is, molecules carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are the biological forms that function as a source of Energy.

Soil organic matter

Fresh organic matter is made up of remains of organisms.

Soil organic matter is the product of the various life cycles of living beings, whose bodies release waste and substances that, when decomposed, make up a diverse mass, rich in nutrients and highly usable by organisms. autotrophs like the plants.

Three types of organic matter are usually distinguished in relation to the constitution of soils:

  • Fresh organic matter. Relatively recent remains of organisms, with a high content of carbohydrates and a high energy value.
  • Partially decomposed organic matter. Provides an important organic and nutrient content to soils, making compost or fertilizer.
  • Decomposed organic matter. It has a longer period of time in decomposition. It does not contain too many nutrients, but it does support the absorption of the Water on the floors.

Importance of organic matter

The presence of organic matter is extremely important in soils. In the first place, because it provides nutrients and usable material to autotrophic organisms (such as plants) and decomposing organisms (such as mushrooms and bacteria). Second, it modifies the physico-chemical properties of the soil: it allows it to retain more water and avoid its degradation by operating as a buffer of pH. In addition, it prevents violent oscillations of temperature on the floor.

On the other hand, organic matter is necessary for the use of organisms heterotrophs (Like the Humans), since they cannot synthesize the substances they require to live.

Examples of organic matter

Silk is secreted by the caterpillars of certain butterflies when weaving protein substances.

Some common examples of organic compounds are:

  • Benzene and others hydrocarbons (As the natural gas) or the Petroleum and its derivatives (such as gasoline).
  • Structural carbohydrates (such as cellulose) and energy storage carbohydrates (such as starch), both present in plants.
  • The wood of trees is made up of fibers whose cell walls are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
  • The silk secreted by the caterpillars of certain butterflies on the metamorphosis It is composed of protein substances.
  • The bones of animals, even human beings.
  • Defecations of animals.

Inorganic material

Inorganic matter is that which is not a product of chemical reactions characteristic of life, but obeys the logic of ionic and electromagnetic attraction. This does not mean that they are substances totally foreign to living beings: many are present in their bodies or serve as a food substrate.

While organic matter is formed due to processes linked to living beings, inorganic matter is due to electromagnetic processes, known as ionic bonds or metal links.

Differences between organic and inorganic matter

Organic matter can be decomposed by the action of biological mechanisms.

Some differences between organic and inorganic matter are:

  • Organic matter is generated by living beings, while inorganic matter is formed by natural reactions in which life does not intervene.
  • Organic matter is chemically composed of carbon atoms, as its fundamental element. The inorganic, on the other hand, has various chemical elements.
  • Organic matter is biodegradable, that is, it can be decomposed by biological mechanisms or by simple deterioration. The decomposition of inorganic matter depends on electromagnetic (ionic) attraction.
  • Inorganic matter is generally fireproof and non-volatile, while the main known fuels are of organic origin, such as oil.
  • Organic matter can present isomerism (molecules of the same constitution but different physical-chemical properties, due to a different orientation of the atoms), whereas inorganic matter generally does not.
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