AUTOTROPHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Autotrophic is an adjective that describes organisms that have the ability to produce their own food using inorganic substances as their primary source of energy. These organisms are capable of synthesizing organic compounds, usually through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, without relying on other living organisms for sustenance.
Autotrophic organisms are often referred to as primary producers as they form the foundation of the food chain, converting energy from the sun or chemical reactions into usable forms for other organisms. Photoautotrophs, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, utilize sunlight in the process of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This glucose is then used as a source of energy for the organism, while oxygen is released as a byproduct.
On the other hand, chemoautotrophs, typically found in extreme environments such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or caves, utilize energy obtained from chemical reactions to produce their own food. They derive energy from inorganic compounds, such as sulfur or iron, through chemosynthesis instead of relying on sunlight.
Autotrophic organisms play a vital role in the Earth's ecosystem by providing energy and nutrients for heterotrophic organisms, which cannot produce their own food and depend on autotrophs for survival. This fundamental process of autotrophy is essential for the sustainability of life on our planet.
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Self-nourishing, noting the green plants and those forms of bacteria which do not require organic carbon or nitrogen, but can form proteins and carbohydrates out of inorganic salts and carbon dioxide.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for AUTOTROPHIC
Etymology of AUTOTROPHIC
The word "autotrophic" can be divided into two parts to understand its etymology:
1. "Auto-" comes from the Greek word "autos", which means "self" or "same". This prefix is commonly used to refer to something that is self-contained or self-sufficient.
2. "-Trophic" comes from the Greek word "trophē", meaning "nourishment" or "food". It is derived from the verb "trephō", which means "to feed" or "to nourish".
Therefore, when combined, "autotrophic" literally means "self-nourishing" or "self-feeding". It is often used to describe organisms, primarily plants and some bacteria, which are able to produce their own organic nutrients through photosynthesis or other chemical processes, without relying on external sources.
Similar spelling words for AUTOTROPHIC
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