In the field of chemistry, matter is basically classified into two main types: organic matter and inorganic matter. Each type has distinctive characteristics and, in particular, serves different functions within the natural world. Organic matter is associated with living organisms, while inorganic matter belongs to non-living substances, despite some similarities in composition. Specifically, certain chemical elements can be found in both categories of matter, although in markedly different proportions.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the Organic and inorganic matter, what are their characteristics, importance, uses and differences.
What is organic matter?
Organic matter refers to substances composed of chemical compounds containing carbon atoms, which is why organic chemistry is often referred to as "carbon chemistry." The term organic matter refers to that which is associated with life.: covers the components that make up the bodies of living organisms, plus most of their substances and waste products.
In geological terminology, organic matter represents the top layer of soil, consisting of the decomposed remains of living organisms, including plants, animals and waste, which provide essential nutrients to producing organisms such as vegetation. Soils with the highest concentration of organic matter are recognized as the most fertile.
Types of organic matter
Organic matter generally consists of:
- The proteins They are macromolecules composed of linear sequences of amino acids, which exhibit distinctive physicochemical properties that vary according to their complexity.
- The lipids They are compounds characterized by their hydrophobic nature, which include fatty acids, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins, glycerides and phospholipids. Their functions include energy storage, cell signaling and the construction of cell membranes.
- Carbohydrates, also known as saccharides, are molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They serve as biological entities that provide a source of energy.
Organic matter in the soil
Soil organic matter originates from the life cycles of various organisms, whose waste and biological materials, when decomposed, contribute to a complex mixture that is rich in nutrients and easily utilized by autotrophic entities such as plants.
Generally, there are three categories of organic matter in relation to soil composition:
- fresh organic matter: remains of relatively modern organisms, characterized by a high carbohydrate content and significant energy value.
- Partially decomposed organic matter: It provides a substantial organic and nutrient content to the soil, functioning as a compost or fertilizer.
- Organic matter that has decomposed: It undergoes a long period of decomposition. Although it does not provide a large amount of nutrients, it facilitates the absorption of water in the soil.
Importance of organic matter
The presence of organic matter in soils is of vital importance. It primarily provides essential nutrients and usable materials to autotrophic organisms, including plants, as well as decomposing organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. In addition, it alters the physical and chemical properties of the soil, improving its health and well-being. its ability to retain water and act as a buffer for pH levels to prevent degradation. Organic matter also plays a vital role in mitigating extreme temperature variations within the soil.
In contrast, heterotrophic organisms, including humans, require organic matter to survive, as they cannot synthesize the essential substances necessary for life.
Examples of organic matter
Commonly found organic compounds include:
- The hydrocarbon, such as benzene and natural gas, as well as petroleum and its derivatives, such as gasoline, are notable examples.
- The structural carbohydrates, such as cellulose, and energy storage carbohydrates, such as starch, are found in plants.
- The fibers that make up the wood of trees They have cell walls made of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
- Similarly, the Silk produced by the caterpillars of certain butterflies during their metamorphosis is made up of protein substances.
- The bone remains of various animals, as well as those of humans, and waste products produced by animals.
Inorganic matter
Inorganic matter refers to substances that do not arise from the chemical processes associated with life; instead, they conform to the principles of ionic and electromagnetic attraction. However, this does not imply that these substances are completely foreign to living organisms, since many are found within their bodies or function as nutritional substrates.
Organic matter arises from processes associated with living organisms, while inorganic matter is the result of electromagnetic processes, commonly referred to as ionic bonds or metallic bonds.
Differences between organic and inorganic matter
There are numerous differences between organic and inorganic substances. Let's summarize the most important ones:
- La Organic matter arises from living organisms, while inorganic matter is produced through natural processes that do not involve life.
- El The main component of organic matter is carbon atoms., which serve as its essential element. In contrast, inorganic matter consists of a variety of different chemical elements.
- Organic matter, biodegradable by nature, can undergo decomposition through biological processes or by basic deterioration. In contrast, the decomposition of inorganic matter depends on electromagnetic (ionic) attraction.
- Inorganic substances are typically characterized by its incombustibility and non-volatility, while recognized primary fuels are derived from organic sources, such as petroleum. Organic matter can exhibit isomerism, where molecules share the same composition but possess distinct physical and chemical properties due to the varying arrangement of atoms, while inorganic matter generally lacks this characteristic.
As you can see, both materials are important since they are what our planet is made of and it is thanks to the interaction of both that life can develop as we know it.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what organic and inorganic matter are, their characteristics and main differences.