Define the differences in carbon and energy metabolism between photoautotrophs and photoheterotrophs and between chemoautotrophs and chemoheterotrophs.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs fix carbon directly from carbon dioxide and obtain energy from light and inorganic substances respectively. Photoheterotrophs and chemoheterotrophs, however, obtain carbon from organic compounds and gain energy from light and inorganic substances respectively.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Organism Groups

First, understand that photoautotrophs are organisms that utilize light as an energy source and carbon dioxide as their primary carbon source. However, photoheterotrophs use light as their primary energy source but obtain carbon from organic compounds. On the other hand, chemoautotrophs are organisms that use inorganic substances as an energy source and carbon dioxide as their primary carbon source. Finally, chemoheterotrophs use inorganic substances as their energy source but obtain carbon from organic compounds.
02

Carbon Metabolism Differences

Next, recognize that photoautotrophs, as well as chemoautotrophs, process carbon dioxide directly from their environment via the process of carbon fixation. Photoheterotrophs and chemoheterotrophs do not perform carbon fixation. Instead, they use organic compounds as their carbon source, hence they are required to perform the process of organic compound breakdown to access the carbon atoms.
03

Energy Metabolism Differences

Finally, consider that photoautotrophs and photoheterotrophs use light energy to facilitate their metabolisms. They perform photosynthesis to obtain their energy. On the contrary, chemoautotrophs and chemoheterotrophs use chemical reactions to derive their energy. The oxidation of electron donors in the environment facilitates their energy metabolism processes.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free