Bacteria and fungi in the heap
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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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.
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