Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology (6th Edition)
Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780134711751
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 entirely 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. All animals for food depend on this conversion.

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 synthesis their own food such as lipids, nucleic acids, proteins and carbohydrates from inorganic matter like carbon dioxide, water and minerals.

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

As, “the distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs is that only autotrophs can live on nutrients that are entirely inorganic” 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 that depend on the organic matter produced by the autotrophs because they cannot utilize the inorganic material present in the surroundings. So, it is the 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 action of O2. This process occurs in the cells of heterotrophs as well as autotrophs. So, it is the wrong answer.

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

Mitochondria are known as “power house of the cell” and it is present in autotrophs and heterotrophs which help in production of ATP through respiration. So, it is the wrong answer.

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

Conclusion

The autotrophs are known as producers because they can synthesis their own food by converting inorganic matter like carbon dioxide, water and minerals into chemical energy in the form of sugar organic compound).

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
    Concepts of Biology
    Biology
    ISBN:9781938168116
    Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
    Publisher:OpenStax College
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