A common agent of decomposition in chemistry is heat, which can reduce both inorganic and organic compounds to their constituents. Water , for example, decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen when exposed to an electric current. Decomposition is also caused by bacteria, enzymes, and light. Fermentation , for example, occurs because of enzyme actions. The term decomposition is also applied to the phenomenon of biological decay, or putrefaction, caused by microorganisms.
Natural decomposition can also, however, yield useful products, such as petroleum.
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