Saprophyte, << SAP ruh fyt, >> is a living thing that gets its food from the remains of dead organisms. Saprophytes are also called saprobes or saprotrophs. Most saprophytes are either fungi–such as mushrooms and molds–or bacteria. Although the suffix –phyte means “plant,” no plant is truly a saprophyte. However, certain plants live in close association with fungi that are saprophytes. Saprophytes lack chlorophyll, the green pigment that enables plants and other organisms to make their own food by photosynthesis (see Photosynthesis ). Saprophytes digest dead tissue for the energy they need to grow and reproduce. This process commonly involves using up carbohydrates to produce carbon dioxide and water. Saprophytes also may digest proteins, fats, or other substances made by living things and break them down into simpler compounds.
The simple compounds produced by saprophytes can be taken up and reused by other organisms. Thus, saprophytes play an important part in the nutrient and energy cycles of living things.
