| Autotrophs |
Articles about Autotroph |
Information AboutAutotrophs |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT AUTOTROPH | |
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| botany | |
| trophic dynamics | |
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to determine if a species is Autotroph , Heterotroph , or a subtype]] An autotroph (from the Greek '''''autos''''' = self and '''''trophe''''' = nutrition) is an Organism that produces Organic Compound s from carbon dioxide as a carbon source, using either Light or reactions of inorganic chemical compounds, as a source of Energy . An autotroph is known as a '''producer''' in a Food Chain . Plant s and other organisms that carry out Photosynthesis are Phototroph s (or '''photoautotrophs'''). Bacteria that utilize the oxidation of inorganic compounds such as Hydrogen Sulfide or ferrous iron as an energy source are ''' Chemoautotroph s'''. Autotrophs are a vital part of the food chains of all Ecosystem s. They take energy from the sun (or from inorganic sources) and convert it into a form (carbon-based or organic molecules) that is used to carry out various biological functions such as cell growth, and that other organisms, called Heterotroph s, utilize as Food to carry out these same functions. Thus, heterotrophs— Animal s, Fungi , as well as most Bacteria and Protozoa —depend on autotrophs for both energy and raw materials to make complex organic molecules. Heterotrophs obtain energy by breaking down organic molecules obtained in food. Carnivorous animals as well rely on autotrophs because the energy and organic building blocks obtained from their prey comes from autotrophs they preyed upon. There are some species of organisms that require Organic Compound s as a source of Carbon , but are able to use light or inorganic compounds as a source of energy. Such organisms are not defined as autotrophic, but rather as heterotrophic. An organism that obtains carbon from organic compounds but obtains energy from light is called a '' Photoheterotroph '', while an organism that obtains carbon from organic compounds but obtains energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds is termed a ''''' Chemoheterotroph '''''. SEE ALSO |
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