CHEMOHETEROTROPH Meaning and
Definition
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A chemoheterotroph, also known as a chemoorganotroph, is a type of organism that obtains its energy by breaking down organic compounds through a process called chemotrophy. This metabolic process involves the transfer of electrons from organic molecules to various electron acceptors, such as oxygen, in order to generate energy for the survival and growth of the organism.
Unlike autotrophs, which can synthesize their own organic molecules using an inorganic carbon source (like carbon dioxide), chemoheterotrophs rely on obtaining pre-formed organic compounds from their environment. These compounds are derived from other living organisms or decaying organic matter, and serve as the source of carbon and energy for the chemoheterotroph.
Chemoheterotrophs display a wide range of diversity and can be found in various domains of life, including bacteria, fungi, animals, and protists. For instance, many bacteria rely on chemoheterotrophic metabolism to obtain energy, while fungi decompose organic matter through chemoheterotrophic processes.
In summary, a chemoheterotroph is an organism that obtains energy by extracting it from organic compounds found in its environment and cannot produce its own organic molecules. This process ultimately powers the organism's vital functions, growth, and reproduction.
Common Misspellings for CHEMOHETEROTROPH
- xhemoheterotroph
- vhemoheterotroph
- fhemoheterotroph
- dhemoheterotroph
- cgemoheterotroph
- cbemoheterotroph
- cnemoheterotroph
- cjemoheterotroph
- cuemoheterotroph
- cyemoheterotroph
- chwmoheterotroph
- chsmoheterotroph
- chdmoheterotroph
- chrmoheterotroph
- ch4moheterotroph
- ch3moheterotroph
- chenoheterotroph
- chekoheterotroph
- chejoheterotroph
- chemiheterotroph
Etymology of CHEMOHETEROTROPH
The word "chemoheterotroph" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "chemo" and "heterotroph".
1. "Chemo": This root comes from the Greek word "khēmía", which refers to the act of pouring or mingling together. In biology, "chēmeia" became associated with chemicals or chemistry. It also refers to the Earth's crust.
2. "Heterotroph": This root is formed from the combination of "hetero" meaning "other" or "different" and "troph" meaning "nourishment" or "nutrition". In biology, a heterotroph is an organism that obtains its energy and nutrients from organic sources outside of itself.
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