S.6 BIOLOGY LESSON : Autotrophic nutrition 03RD JANUARY 2024

Autotrophic nutrition is a mode of nutrition in which an organism synthesizes its own food using simple inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and water, with the help of energy from sunlight or inorganic chemical reactions. Autotrophs are organisms that have the ability to produce organic compounds from inorganic sources.

There are two main types of autotrophs: photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs. Photoautotrophs use sunlight as a source of energy and are able to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds by the process of photosynthesis. Examples of photoautotrophs include plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.

Chemoautotrophs, on the other hand, obtain their energy from chemical reactions involving inorganic compounds, such as sulfur, nitrogen, or iron. They can use the energy from these reactions to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds. Examples of chemoautotrophs include some bacteria and archaea.

Autotrophic nutrition is important for the biosphere because it forms the basis of the food chain. Autotrophs are the primary producers that provide the energy and organic compounds essential for the survival of all other organisms. Through photosynthesis, autotrophs also release oxygen into the atmosphere, which is utilized by many organisms for respiration.

Overall, autotrophic nutrition is a unique mode of nutrition that enables organisms to produce their own food without relying on other organisms. It plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth and maintaining ecological balance.