Answer to Question #201437 in Microbiology for Maureen

Question

Compare and contrast a Heterotroph and an Autotroph microbes. How these organisms obtain their source of energy?

Answer 1

Both autotrophs and heterotrophs must use chemical energy to make molecules used to build cells and tissues.

Autotrophs microbes make their food through photosynthesis, while heterotrophs cannot make their food; hence, they have to depend on autotrophs for nutrition.

 Autotrophs make their food in the form of chemical energy that they use as their energy source to support their life and for others as well. Heterotrophs depend on autotrophs to get energy. They either absorb it or eat since they are unable to make their food.