chemoorganotroph
biology
Also known as: chemoorganotrophy
Quick Summary
A chemoorganotroph is an organism that requires an organic source of carbon and metabolic energy. This means they obtain both their carbon and energy by breaking down pre-existing organic molecules, which is characteristic of heterotrophs.12
In contrast, autotrophs convert inorganic substances like carbon dioxide into energy-rich organic compounds, either using light (photoautotrophs) or chemical reactions (chemoautotrophs). Chemoorganotrophs are a type of heterotroph, which includes most animals, fungi, protists, and bacteria.2
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