Concept explainers
To explain: The reason for which a heterotrophic organism needs vitamins, whereas autotrophs do not.
Concept introduction: According to the nature of food creation and consumption, the organisms are basically classified into two groups, such as autotrophs and heterotrophs. The autotrophs are the organisms that can synthesize their own food from simple molecules using water, carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight, and chlorophyll. The heterotrophic organisms are unable to synthesize their own food and depend on other living organisms to obtain food.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation:
Autotrophs possess the capability of synthesizing micronutrients including vitamins and minerals. They can synthesize all the nutrient molecules they require, whereas heterotrophs cannot synthesize these micronutrients and depend on their food intake for supply of these important nutrients. Hence, heterotrophic organisms require vitamins in their nutrition, whereas autotrophs do not.
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Chapter 14 Solutions
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