autotroph
Sign in to savethumb|300px|Overview of cycle between autotrophs and heterotrophs. [[Photosynthesis is the main means by which plants, algae and many bacteria produce organic compounds and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water (green arrow).]]
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An autotroph is an organism like a plant, alga, or certain bacteria that can make its own food from basic raw materials like carbon dioxide and water through photosynthesis. Autotrophs matter because they form the foundation of food chains by producing the organic compounds and oxygen that other organisms depend on to survive.
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Article
10 sectionsContents
- History
- Variants
- Examples
- Photosynthesis
- Ecology
- Primary production in tropical streams and rivers
- Origin of autotrophs
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|300px|Overview of cycle between autotrophs and heterotrophs. [[Photosynthesis is the main means by which plants, algae and many bacteria produce organic compounds and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water (green arrow).]]
An autotroph is an organism that can convert abiotic sources of energy into energy stored in organic compounds, which can be used by other organisms. Autotrophs produce complex organic compounds (such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) using carbon from simple substances such as carbon dioxide, generally using energy from light or inorganic chemical reactions. Autotrophs do not need a living source of carbon or energy and are the producers in a food chain, such as plants on land or algae in water. Autotrophs can reduce carbon dioxide to make organic compounds for biosynthesis and as stored chemical fuel. Most autotrophs use water as the reducing agent, but some can use other hydrogen compounds such as hydrogen sulfide.