Konferans bildirisi Açık Erişim

Post-mortem plant physiology and soil ecology: decay, transformation, and nutrient cycling after plant death

2025    Çelekli, Abuzer; Zariç, Özgür Eren

Plants undergo a series of physiological reactions following their death, characterized by decay and transformation processes. This review article examines plants' cellular and biochemical changes during death and subsequent decomposition. The initial stage of the death process involves the breakdown of cell structure. This breakdown occurs through the activation of enzymes within the cells and the degradation of intracellular components. Intracellular enzymes disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane and initiate reactions leading to cell death. Subsequently, plants become less resistant to external factors, starting the decay process. During decay, plant tissues are influenced by moisture, microorganisms, and other environmental factors. The structural integrity of plant tissues is compromised, and organic matter begins to decompose. This decomposition process allows plants to recycle nutrients back into the environment. During the decomposition process, the biochemical composition of plants also changes. For instance, proteins can be converted into amino acids, carbohydrates into sugars, and fats into acids. These transformations enable the components of plants to be returned to the natural environment. In conclusion, plants exhibit physiological reactions following their death, involving decay and transformation processes of their cellular and biochemical components. These processes facilitate the recycling of nutrients back into the environment and contribute to the natural cycles.