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Dictionary » A » Autotroph

Autotroph

Definition

noun, plural: autotrophs

A organism capable of making nutritive organic molecules from inorganic sources via photosynthesis (involving light energy) or chemosynthesis (involving chemical energy).


Supplement

Autotrophs are the producers in a food chain, such as plants on land or algae in water. Autotrophs may be photoautotrophs or chemoautotrophs.


Word origin: from the Greek autos = self and trophe = nutrition
Related forms: atotrophic (adjective)

Synonyms:


Compare: heterotroph

Related terms:


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Photosynthesis Trivia

... of the food and oxygen in the environment is produced by the action of A. saprophytic bacteria B. heterotrophic bacteria C. aerobic protozoans D. autotrophic organisms 41 What does the process of photosynthesis produce? A. starch, which is metabolized into less complex molecules by dehydration ...

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by vstexas09
Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:46 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Photosynthesis Trivia
Replies: 5
Views: 5332

Re:

is it an autotroph? Does it have a flagellum? Does it have cillia? Does it have some sort of outer covering other than a cell membrane? Is it found in fresh water? No Yes No Uhm, no Can be :lol: but naturally,no :P

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by DoctorStein
Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:33 am
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: "Twenty questions"-biology game
Replies: 759
Views: 88710

"Twenty questions"-biology game

is it an autotroph? Does it have a flagellum? Does it have cillia? Does it have some sort of outer covering other than a cell membrane? Is it found in fresh water?

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by February Beetle
Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:56 pm
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: "Twenty questions"-biology game
Replies: 759
Views: 88710

photoautotroph and photoheterotroph difference?

There is a flowchart that summarizes these divisions here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autotroph Good luck!

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by gamar
Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:29 am
 
Forum: Ecology
Topic: photoautotroph and photoheterotroph difference?
Replies: 2
Views: 1908

Succession...plz help

... succession climax community decomposer community ecology niche mutualism commensalism parasitism symbiosis (i really dont understand this one) autotroph heterotroph if you can help with any it would be great...ty all

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by darksideofcloud
Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:25 am
 
Forum: Ecology
Topic: Succession...plz help
Replies: 4
Views: 1782
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