Nutritional Types and Energy Production

Question 1

define organic (for this class)

Answer 1

• 2+ carbon atoms present
• 1+ hydrogen atoms present

Question 2

what do all organisms require in large amounts?

Answer 2

• macroelements: C, O, H, N, S, P (found in organic molecules like proteins, lipids, carbs, and nucleic acids
• also included are K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and Fe3+: required for protection, stabilize ribosomes and cell membranes, iron makes up ETC

Question 3

heterotrophs

Answer 3

use reduced, preformed organic molecules as their carbon source (ex: glucose, fats, proteins)
(reduced: molecule has electrons to give, makes sense given ETC)

Question 4

autotrophs

Answer 4

get their carbon from CO2: fix CO2 into organic materials (think photosynthesis!)

Question 5

trace elements

Answer 5

• required by organisms in small amounts
• zinc, cobalt, nickel, copper, etc.
• parts of certain enzymes and cofactors
• help catalyze important metabolic rxns

Question 6

3 ways to gain energy

Answer 6

• trap light energy: phototrophs
• oxidate (eat) organic molecules: chemoorganotrophs
• oxidate (eat) inorganic molecules: chemolithotrophs

Question 7

organotroph

Answer 7

gets electrons from organic molecules

Question 8

lithotroph

Answer 8

gets electrons from inorganic molecules