What are saprophytes? Give two examples.

Hint:- Nutrition is the utmost important requirement for all living organisms for growth and development. Based on nutritional requirements of organisms they are classified in several categories like autotrophs, heterotrophs etc. Heterotrophs use organic matters as their sole carbon source. Heterotrophs who use dead organic matters for their nutrition are called saprophytes.

Complete Answer:-
Organisms who live and feed on dead organic materials and obtain nutrition for their growth are known as saprophytes. Example – Mucor, yeast. Saprophytes are mostly fungus and/or bacteria.
Saprophytes decompose dead plants and animals and convert complex molecules into simpler molecules. These converted molecules are returned to the soil, thereby increasing soil fertility. Plants intake these simple molecules and use them for their survival. Thus, saprophytes play a significant role not only in soil biology but also in the ecosystem.

Saprophytes do not photosynthesize. They possess neither leaves nor stems and roots.
Saprophyte fungus grows tubular structures known as hyphae which spread their branches into the dead animals or plants and produce digestive enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats into their simplest form. They reproduce by both sexual as well as asexual means either by forming spores or using their filaments. The mode of nutrition after extracellular digestion of saprophytes is called saprophytic nutrition.


Note:- These organisms, especially fungi, are also utilized in food industries for their decomposition property. In industrial fermentation saprophytic fungi are irreplaceable. From brewing beer, making wine, ripening cheese or making bread (yeast) to the production of antibiotics (penicillin) saprophytic fungi are used widely in food industries. They can be harmful to plants and animals if they decompose toxic organic materials in the soil.