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
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
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
Check Mark
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.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
The thermoacidophile Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is an archaean organism that can tolerate environments that are high in temperature and low in pH. It lacks peptidoglycan, but still possesses a cell wall. Which of the following statements is likely to be an accurate description of this species? A. It is a bacterium. B. The optimal pH of its enzymes will lie above pH 7. C. It could inhabit hydrothermal springs. D. It could inhabit alkaline hot springs.
Match the letters to the numbers in the paragraph:
Which of the following statements is TRUE? Select one: A. Lactic acid is a product of aerobic respiration; ethyl alcohol is a product of fermentation. B. Oxidation is the loss of electrons; reduction is the gain of electrons. C. Oxygen is a product of cellular respiration; carbon dioxide is a product of photosynthesis. D. Glucose is a product of aerobic respiration; lactic acid is a product of anaerobic respiration.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
  • Text book image
    Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781337392938
    Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
    Text book image
    Concepts of Biology
    Biology
    ISBN:9781938168116
    Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
    Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Microbial Nutrition and Growth; Author: Scientist Cindy;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK3UkyWjkl8;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY