Microorganisms which use inorganic materials for energy and growth. They derive carbon for their cellular growth from inorganic sources such as carbon dioxide and bicarbonate. Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter (see Nitrification process) are two such naturally occuring microorganisms. Heterotrophs use ORGANIC matter for energy and growth.
An organism able to build all the complex organic molecules that it requires as its own food source, using only simple inorganic compounds. Plants, and some bacteria are autotrophs.
Organisms that synthesize their own nutrients; include some bacteria that are able to synthesize organic molecules from simpler inorganic compounds.
microorganisms that use inorganic materials as sources of nutrients.
organisms that can synthesize carbon compounds from atmospheric carbon dioxide utilizing energy from light or chemical reactions.
Organisms capable of making the necessary food for their survival from various raw materials. In plants, this occurs through the process of photosynthesis.