Saprotrophic organisms

Saprotrophic organisms are microorganisms, such as fungi and certain bacteria, that obtain nutrients by breaking down dead or decaying organic material. They secrete enzymes that decompose complex substances like wood, leaves, and other organic matter into simpler compounds, which they then absorb. This process plays a vital role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients, enriching soil fertility, and maintaining environmental balance. Essentially, saprotrophs act as nature’s recyclers, efficiently converting dead material into forms that can be reused by plants and other organisms.