Difference between Autotrophic Nutrition and Heterotrophic Nutrition
Living organisms obtain the necessary nutrients and energy for their survival through various modes of nutrition. Two main modes of nutrition are autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition. Autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition differ in terms of their sources of energy and nutrients. Here’s a closer look at these two modes of nutrition:
Autotrophic Nutrition
Autotrophic nutrition is a mode of nutrition in which an organism synthesizes its own food from simple inorganic raw materials such as carbon dioxide and water. Organisms that use autotrophic nutrition are called autotrophs or self-feeders.
Plants, algae, and certain bacteria are examples of autotrophic organisms. Autotrophs use energy from sunlight or inorganic substances, such as hydrogen sulfide, during a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, autotrophs produce organic compounds like glucose, which they use as the primary source of energy.
Heterotrophic Nutrition
Heterotrophic nutrition is a mode of nutrition in which an organism obtains its food from other organisms or organic matter. Organisms that use heterotrophic nutrition are called heterotrophs or other-feeders. Heterotrophic nutrition can be either holozoic or saprophytic.
Holozoic heterotrophs are organisms that ingest other organisms or particulate matter, and then break down the ingested material using enzymes before absorbing the nutrients. Animals, fungi, and certain bacteria are examples of holozoic heterotrophs.
Saprophytic heterotrophs, on the other hand, obtain their food by breaking down dead organic matter. Bacteria and fungi are examples of saprophytic heterotrophs. Saprophytic heterotrophs play an essential role in the ecosystem by recycling dead organic matter, thus releasing vital nutrients back into the soil.
Conclusion
In summary, autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition are two different modes of nutrition based on their sources of energy and nutrients. Autotrophs synthesize their food from inorganic raw materials through photosynthesis, while heterotrophs obtain their food from other organisms or organic matter. Understanding the differences between these two modes of nutrition can help us better appreciate the diversity of life on our planet.
Table difference between autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition
| Properties | Autotrophic Nutrition | Heterotrophic Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The process of synthesizing organic compounds using light energy or inorganic substances. | The process of obtaining organic compounds from other living organisms. |
| Type of organisms | Plants, algae, and some bacteria | Animals, fungi, and some bacteria |
| Source of energy | Sunlight or inorganic substances | Organic compounds |
| Location of energy conversion | Chloroplasts (in plants and algae) or cytoplasm (in bacteria) | Mitochondria (in animals and fungi) or cytoplasm (in bacteria) |
| Cycle of matter | Autotrophs take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. | Heterotrophs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide during respiration. |
| Examples | Green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. | Animals, fungi, some bacteria, and non-photosynthetic plants. |