Mineralization

Mineralization is the conversion of organic nutrients into inorganic mineral forms that plants can use. Proteins become amino acids, then ammonia, then nitrate (nitrogen cycle). Nucleic acids become phosphate (phosphorus cycle). Cellulose becomes glucose, then CO₂ (carbon cycle). The final stage is complete mineralization - conversion of all remaining organic compounds into CO₂, water, and mineral nutrients. The result: every atom that was locked in the dead organism is returned to the ecosystem in plant-available form.