Term: saprophyte
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05470

Definition:
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.

Related Terms:
1) enzymes (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E02159).
2) molecular weight (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M04000).

Source: PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 165 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)

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

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