- #1
Katie123
- 1
- 0
Explain the difference
No equation
Couldn't figure it out!
No equation
Couldn't figure it out!
Lithotrophic photoautotrophs are organisms that use inorganic substances as their source of energy and carbon dioxide as their source of carbon. They use sunlight to convert these substances into energy through photosynthesis. On the other hand, organotrophic chemoheterotrophs use organic substances as their source of energy and carbon. They obtain energy by breaking down complex organic molecules through cellular respiration.
Organotrophic chemoheterotrophs are more common in nature. This is because organic substances are more readily available in the environment compared to inorganic substances. Additionally, photosynthesis requires sunlight, which may not always be available in certain environments.
Yes, some organisms have the ability to switch between lithotrophic photoautotrophy and organotrophic chemoheterotrophy depending on the availability of resources. For example, some bacteria can use sunlight as their source of energy when sunlight is available, but switch to using organic substances when sunlight is not available.
Examples of lithotrophic photoautotrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria. Examples of organotrophic chemoheterotrophs include animals, fungi, and some bacteria.
Lithotrophic photoautotrophs play a crucial role in the environment by producing oxygen through photosynthesis and serving as the base of the food chain. Organotrophic chemoheterotrophs also play an important role in the environment by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients. However, excessive growth of these organisms can lead to imbalances in ecosystems and cause environmental issues such as eutrophication.