Concept explainers
Which of the following statements is a correct distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs?
- a. Only heterotrophs require chemical compounds from the environment
- b.
Cellular respiration is unique to heterotrophs. - c. Only heterotrophs have mitochondria.
- d. Only autotrophs can live or nutrients that are entirety inorganic
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.
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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