Organotroph
Organotroph
Organotroph (pronunciation: /ɔːrˈɡænəʊtrɒf/) is a term used in microbiology to describe organisms that obtain their energy from organic compounds. The term is derived from the Greek words "organon" meaning instrument and "trophe" meaning nourishment.
Etymology
The term "organotroph" is derived from two Greek words: "organon" which means instrument, and "trophe" which means nourishment. This term is used to describe organisms that use organic compounds as a source of energy.
Definition
Organotrophs are organisms that obtain their energy by oxidizing organic compounds. These compounds can be obtained from other living organisms, dead organisms, or waste products. Organotrophs include both autotrophs and heterotrophs, depending on whether they can synthesize their own organic compounds or must obtain them from the environment.
Types of Organotrophs
There are two main types of organotrophs: autotrophs and heterotrophs. Autotrophs are organisms that can synthesize their own organic compounds using energy from sunlight or inorganic chemical reactions. Heterotrophs, on the other hand, must obtain organic compounds from their environment.
Related Terms
- Autotroph: An organism that can synthesize its own food from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy.
- Heterotroph: An organism that cannot synthesize its own food and instead obtains its nutrition from the ingestion of other organisms or their byproducts.
- Chemotroph: Organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of electron donors in their environments.
- Phototroph: Organisms that carry out photon capture to acquire energy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Organotroph
- Wikipedia's article - Organotroph
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