Decomposition organic macromolecules

Mineralization of organic macromolecules is initiated by extracellular enzymes because bacteria are unable to hydrolyze substrates that are much larger than about 600 Da (Weiss et al., 1991). Not all bacteria are capable of synthesizing these enzymes, as is often the case with those responsible for terminal decomposition and some intermediary metabolisms. As a result, these terminal organisms depend heavily on the activities of other bacteria for substrates. It is clear that polymer hydrolysis occurs since these compounds are required to support microbial activities in sediments, but some studies have failed to detect polymer hydrolysis potentials sufficient to support in situ rates of metabolism (Arnosti, 1998). Such studies underscore the difficulties of examining hydrolytic processes. 

The primary fimction of the alimentary tract is to break down the complex organic macromolecules of which other organisms are composed into smaller molecules, which can then be selectively absorbed into the circulation by specialized mucosal epithelial cells. Food is conveyed progressively through the alimentary tract, stored at intervals, and broken down mechanically as required, by a tightly controlled system of rhythmic muscular contractions. The digestive enzymes are released into the lumen at the appropriate stages to facilitate the decomposition of carbohydrates, proteins, and complex lipids. By definition, the polysaccharides that comprise... 

This method is suitable for small molecules of molecular weights up to 400 Daltons only. This is because of the involatility of the large molecules and thermed decomposition during vaporization. The excessive fragmentation in the ionization source is also a problem associated with this method. On summary, this is not a method suitable for macromolecules. However, this is one of the most used methods for small molecules. Electron ionization normally serves as a detector for gas chromatography analysis of hydrocarbons, pharmaceutical compounds, psychotropic drugs and synthetic organic molecules. 

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