Complex organic compounds are enzymatically converted into simpler compounds.
Operational definition
Postmortem transformation process.
The biological and abiotic breakdown of dead organic matter into progressively simpler organic and inorganic components.
It includes:
- autolysis;
- extracellular enzymatic hydrolysis;
- microbial catabolism;
- detritivore activity;
- chemical oxidation;
- physical alteration.
Decomposition is broader than microbial respiration and broader than mineralization.