Organic mass is the substance of all living things, from the smallest bacteria to the largest trees. It is the physical material derived from organisms that are either currently alive or were recently deceased. This material forms the building blocks of life, encompassing every plant, animal, and microorganism.
What Constitutes Organic Mass?
Organic mass is defined by its chemical composition, which is based on carbon. Compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids form the structures of living organisms, differentiating organic matter from inorganic substances. The scale of organic mass ranges from microscopic bacteria and algae to the vast expanse of a rainforest.
The term also includes non-living material that originated from living things. Examples include fallen leaves and woody debris on a forest floor, which become part of the soil. Animal-derived products, such as manure and waste, are also forms of organic mass, as are food scraps and yard trimmings. This biological material is distinct from inorganic mass like rocks and minerals.
The Formation and Growth of Organic Mass
The creation of new organic mass is driven by photosynthesis. Plants, algae, and certain bacteria capture energy from sunlight, transforming water and carbon dioxide into energy-rich organic compounds like glucose. This simple sugar provides the chemical energy and carbon backbone for the organism to build more complex molecules. These molecules are then used to construct its physical structure, such as the cellulose that gives plants rigidity.
Animals participate in this cycle by consuming plants to build their own bodies. Other animals then consume these plant-eaters, moving the organic material up the food chain. Through this web of consumption, the energy originally captured by plants is distributed throughout the ecosystem, sustaining all animal life.
The Role of Decomposition
When living organisms die, their organic mass decomposes. This breakdown is carried out by a community of decomposers, primarily bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms consume the dead material, breaking down complex organic compounds into simpler substances.
Decomposers release nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur that were locked within the dead organic matter. These nutrients are returned to the soil and water, where they become available for living plants to fuel new growth. A product of this decomposition is humus, a stable component of soil rich in organic matter. Humus improves soil structure, increases its water-holding capacity, and enhances fertility.
Human Utilization of Organic Mass
Humans have long harnessed the stored energy within organic mass, a resource known as biomass. A traditional application is burning wood for heating and cooking. This practice taps into the solar energy captured by the tree and stored in its woody structure.
Modern technologies allow for more sophisticated uses of biomass. Power plants can burn agricultural waste, such as corn stalks or sugarcane residue, to produce steam and drive turbines that generate electricity. Another application is creating biofuels. Ethanol is produced by fermenting sugars in crops like corn and sugarcane, while biodiesel is manufactured from vegetable oils and animal fats, providing a renewable alternative to diesel fuel.