Chemoheterotroph

Definition

A chemoheterotroph is an organism that derives its energy from chemical compounds and its carbon from organic sources. They rely on the consumption of other organisms or organic substances for survival.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemoheterotrophs obtain both energy and carbon from organic molecules.
2. Most bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and animals are classified as chemoheterotrophs.
3. In the catabolism of carbohydrates, chemoheterotrophs break down glucose through glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
4. Chemoheterotrophs play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers by breaking down dead organic matter.
5. They can be further categorized based on their source of energy: organotrophs (using organic compounds) and lithotrophs (using inorganic substances).

Review Questions

Related terms

Photoautotroph: An organism that uses light as its energy source and carbon dioxide as its carbon source.

Glycolysis:

A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP.

Oxidative Phosphorylation:

A process occurring in the mitochondria that produces ATP through electron transport and chemiosmosis.