PARATROPHIC Meaning and
Definition
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Paratrophic is an adjective used to describe a biological process or organism that obtains its nourishment or sustenance by consuming organic materials or compounds from the environment. It refers to the ability of an organism to obtain nutrients from decaying or dead organic matter as a means of survival and growth. This term is commonly used in the context of ecology, microbial biology, and agricultural sciences.
In ecological terms, paratrophic species are heterotrophs that rely on the decomposition of dead plants or animals to obtain the necessary energy and nutrients for their metabolic processes. These organisms play a crucial role in nutrient cycling by breaking down complex organic matter into simpler forms that can be utilized by other organisms in the ecosystem.
In microbiology, paratrophic microorganisms refer to those that are capable of utilizing non-living organic material as a source of energy and carbon. They decompose complex organic compounds through enzymatic processes and convert them into simpler molecules that can be assimilated and utilized.
In agricultural sciences, paratrophic organisms are often studied in the context of soil health and fertility. Certain bacteria and fungi have paratrophic capabilities, helping in the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, releasing nutrients that can be absorbed by plants for growth.
Overall, paratrophic is a term that describes the ability of organisms to obtain nourishment and energy from decaying or dead organic matter, playing a significant role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem processes.
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Deriving sustenance from living organic material; parasitic; see metatrophic, prototrophic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARATROPHIC
- oaratrophic
- laratrophic
- -aratrophic
- 0aratrophic
- pzratrophic
- psratrophic
- pwratrophic
- pqratrophic
- paeatrophic
- padatrophic
- pafatrophic
- patatrophic
- pa5atrophic
- pa4atrophic
- parztrophic
- parstrophic
- parwtrophic
- parqtrophic
- pararrophic
- parafrophic
Etymology of PARATROPHIC
The word "paratrophic" does not have an established etymology as it is not commonly used or found in dictionaries. It appears to be a combination of the prefix "para-" meaning "beside" or "beyond" and the suffix "-trophic" which relates to nutrition or feeding. Therefore, one can infer that "paratrophic" might pertain to something beyond or besides nutrition or feeding, but it is essential to note that this analysis is speculative as the word does not have a defined origin or meaning in established sources.
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