Autotroph

Definition

An autotroph is an organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy. They are primary producers in the food chain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Autotrophs can be photoautotrophs or chemoautotrophs, depending on their energy source.
2. Photoautotrophs use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose through photosynthesis.
3. Chemoautotrophs obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia.
4. Autotrophs play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles, particularly the carbon cycle.
5. In microbial metabolism, autotrophic bacteria are essential for nutrient cycling in various ecosystems.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of autotrophs and how do they differ?
• How do photoautotrophs contribute to the carbon cycle?
• Why are autotrophic bacteria important in microbial metabolism?

Related terms

Heterotroph: An organism that cannot produce its own food and relies on consuming other organisms.

Photosynthesis:

The process by which photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Chemoautotrophy: A metabolic process where organisms derive energy from oxidizing inorganic compounds.