Mon Prof Augmenté
Bacteria and fungi in the heap
Age 11 · Biology
In a heap of kitchen scraps, tiny bacteria and fungi feed on pieces of plants. As they break the scraps down they give off heat and turn them into compost.
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Age 11: open this week
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In the picture
- Rod-shaped bacteria on a carrot slice: tiny living cells that break the vegetable down
- Branching fungal threads on an apple core: fine threads that spread through the fruit and digest it
- Wavy lines above the heap: heat given off while the scraps are broken down
- Dark crumbly piece at the bottom: finished compost, soft and crumbly
Examples
- A heap of peelings in a garden bin turning dark and warm
- Mould threads on an old strawberry in the fridge
Key takeaways
- Bacteria and fungi break down dead plant scraps.
- Their activity releases heat and turns the scraps into compost.
Quiz: Bacteria and fungi in the heap (Age 11)
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What do the bacteria and fungi feed on in the heap?
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What do the bacteria and fungi turn the scraps into?
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What do the bacteria and fungi release while they break down the scraps?
The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.
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