Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
Campbell Essential Biology (7th Edition)
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780134765037
Author: Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey, Jane B. Reece
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 6, Problem 1SQ

Which of the following statements is a correct distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

  1. a. Only heterotrophs require chemical compounds from the environment
  2. b. Cellular respiration is unique to heterotrophs.
  3. c. Only heterotrophs have mitochondria.
  4. d. Only autotrophs can live or nutrients that are entirety inorganic
Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Photosynthesis is the process of conversion of light energy into chemical energy and organic molecules. This process is performed in chloroplasts of algae and plants. Plants act as a food substance and provide energy for other organisms. Thus, they form the base of the food chains.

Answer to Problem 1SQ

Correct answer:

The distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs is that only autotrophs can live on nutrients that are entirely inorganic. Therefore, option d. is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

Autotrophs are the organisms that synthesize their own food (carbohydrates) from inorganic matter such as carbon dioxide, water, and minerals by a process known as photosynthesis.

Option d. is given as “only autotrophs can live on nutrients that are entirely inorganic”.

The distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs is that only autotrophs can live on nutrients that are entirely inorganic. Thus, it is the right answer.

Hence, option d. is the correct answer.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option a. is given as “Only heterotrophs require chemical compounds from the environment”.

Heterotrophs are also known as consumers and they depend on the organic matter produced by autotrophs. This is because heterotrophs cannot utilize the inorganic materials present in the surroundings. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option b. is given as “Cellular respiration is unique to heterotrophs”.

Cellular respiration is the chemical process in which the stored energy in the chemical bonds is converted into ATP by the action of O2. This process occurs in both heterotrophs and autotrophs. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option c. is given as “Only heterotrophs have mitochondria”.

Mitochondria are known as “power house of the cell” and it helps in the production of ATP through respiration. This organelle is present in both autotrophs and heterotrophs. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options a., b., and c. are incorrect.

Conclusion

Autotrophs can synthesize their own food by converting inorganic matter into chemical energy (organic compound) by photosynthesis. Hence, autotrophs are also known as producers.

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Organisms that use/degrade carbon compounds from food containing organic carbon to extract energy are called __________, whereas organisms that utilize CO2 from the air and often obtain energy from the sun are called ______________.     A. heterotrophs; lithotrophs     B. heterotrophs; autotrophs     C. autotrophs; heterotrophs     D. lithotrophs; autotrophs     E. autotrophs; lithotrophs
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