Eli5: What happens when germs die? Do they essentially disappear?

Question

Eli5: What happens when germs die? Do they essentially disappear?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Germs and cells, by extension, are made up of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. When they die (“lyse”), they essentially fall apart, sort of like a very tiny, wet piñata. Their internals flow out all over the place, to be absorbed/eaten by anything else that passes by.