saprophyte

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05470
A microorganism that feeds on dead and decaying organic matter. Saprophytes excrete enzymes that digest organic residues externally, the low molecular weight compounds formed then being absorbed.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143. (Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)) on page 165 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'saprophyte' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05470 RIS BibTex EndNote
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