Organic Matter (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what organic matter is and how it is classified. Also, its importance, examples and differences with inorganic matter.

Organic matter - wood — When we talk about organic matter we are referring to that which is linked to life.

What is organic matter?

Organic matter is the matter made up of chemical compounds containing carbon atoms which is why organic chemistry is known as “carbon chemistry.” When we talk about organic matter we are referring to that which is linked to life: that which makes up the bodies of living beings, as well as most of their substances and waste materials.

In geological terms, organic matter constitutes the most superficial layer of the soil composed of decomposing remains of living beings, such as plants, animals and waste that provide various nutrients to producing organisms, such as vegetation. The most fertile soils are those with the greatest presence of organic matter.

Types of organic matter

Organic matter is generally made up of:

Proteins. They are linear chains of amino acids that form macromolecules with specific physicochemical properties, according to their complexity.
Lipids. They are hydrophobic compounds that include fatty acids, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, glycerides and phospholipids. They fulfill functions of energy storage, cell signaling and formation of cell membranes.
Carbohydrates. They are carbohydrates or saccharides, that is, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen molecules. They are the biological forms that function as a source of energy.

You may be interested: Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Soil organic matter

fresh organic matter — Fresh organic matter is made up of remains of organisms.

Soil organic matter It is a product of the various life cycles of living beings whose bodies release waste and substances that, when decomposed, form a diverse mass, rich in nutrients and highly usable by autotrophic organisms such as plants.

Three types of organic matter are usually distinguished in relation to the constitution of soils:

fresh organic matter. Remains of relatively recent organisms, with a high carbohydrate content and a high energy value.
Partially decomposed organic matter. It provides important organic and nutrient content to the soil, acting as compost or fertilizer.
Decomposed organic matter. It has a longer period of time in decomposition. It does not contain many nutrients, but it provides support for water absorption in soils.

Importance of organic matter

The presence of organic matter is of utmost importance in soils. Firstly, because it provides nutrients and usable material to autotrophic organisms (such as plants) and decomposer organisms (such as fungi and bacteria). In second place, modifies the physical-chemical properties of the soil: allows you to retain more water and prevent its degradation by operating as a pH buffer. In addition, it prevents violent temperature fluctuations in the soil.

On the other hand, organic matter It is necessary for the use of heterotrophic organisms (like human beings), since they cannot synthesize the substances they require to live.

Examples of organic matter

Organic matter - silk — Silk is secreted by the caterpillars of certain butterflies when weaving protein substances.

Some common examples of organic compounds are:

Benzene and other hydrocarbons (such as natural gas) or petroleum and its derivatives (such as gasoline).
Structural carbohydrates (such as cellulose) and energy storage carbohydrates (such as starch), both present in plants.
Tree wood is made up of fibers whose cell walls are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
The silk secreted by the caterpillars of certain butterflies during metamorphosis is composed of protein substances.
The bones of animals, including those of humans.
Animal defecation.

inorganic matter

Inorganic matter is that which It is not a product of the chemical reactions of life but obeys the logic of ionic and electromagnetic attraction. This does not mean that these are substances totally foreign to living beings: many are present in their bodies or serve as a food substrate.

While organic matter is formed due to processes linked to living beings, inorganic matter is due to electromagnetic processes, known as ionic bonds or metallic bonds.

Continue in: Inorganic matter

Differences between organic and inorganic matter

Cotton - organic matter — Organic matter can be decomposed by biological mechanisms.

Some differences between organic and inorganic matter are:

Organic matter is generated by living beings, while inorganic matter is formed by natural reactions in which life does not intervene.
Organic matter is chemically composed of carbon atoms, as its fundamental element. The inorganic, on the other hand, has various chemical elements.
Organic matter is biodegradable, that is, it can be decomposed by the action of biological mechanisms or by simple deterioration. The decomposition of inorganic matter depends on electromagnetic (ionic) attraction.
Inorganic matter is generally non-combustible and non-volatile, while the main known fuels are of organic origin, such as petroleum.
Organic matter can present isomerism (molecules of the same constitution but different physical-chemical properties, due to a different orientation of the atoms), while inorganic matter generally does not.