saprophyte

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05470
A microorganism that feeds on dead and decaying organic matter. Saprophytes excrete @E02159@ that digest organic residues externally, the low @M04000@ compounds formed then being absorbed.
Source:
PAC, 1992, 64, 143. (Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)) on page 165 [Terms] [Paper]