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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.

In the picture

  1. Rod-shaped bacteria on a carrot slice: tiny living cells that break the vegetable down
  2. Branching fungal threads on an apple core: fine threads that spread through the fruit and digest it
  3. Wavy lines above the heap: heat given off while the scraps are broken down
  4. 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

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Biology, Age 11