Which of the following statements is a correct distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs? a. Autotrophs, but not heterotrophs, can nourish themselves beginning with CO2 and other nutrients that are inorganic. b. Only heterotrophs require chemical compounds from the environment. c. Cellular respiration is unique to heterotrophs. d. Only heterotrophs have mitochondria.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key terms: Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from inorganic substances like CO2 using light (photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis). Heterotrophs cannot synthesize their own food and rely on other organisms for nutrition.
2. Evaluate option a: This statement is correct. Autotrophs can convert CO2 and other inorganic nutrients into organic materials to nourish themselves, a process seen in photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.
3. Evaluate option b: This statement is incorrect because both autotrophs and heterotrophs require chemical compounds from the environment, though their sources and types of compounds may differ.
4. Evaluate option c: This statement is incorrect. Cellular respiration occurs in both autotrophs and heterotrophs to convert glucose into ATP, a usable form of energy.
5. Evaluate option d: This statement is incorrect. Both autotrophs and heterotrophs can have mitochondria, which are organelles involved in the process of cellular respiration.

Key Concepts

Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food using inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, utilizing carbon dioxide and sunlight or chemical energy. In contrast, heterotrophs cannot synthesize their own food and must obtain organic compounds by consuming other organisms, whether they are plants, animals, or decomposed matter.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is a metabolic process that converts biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and it occurs in both autotrophs and heterotrophs. While heterotrophs primarily rely on organic compounds for energy, autotrophs also perform cellular respiration to utilize the energy stored in the glucose they produce during photosynthesis.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in the cells of most eukaryotic organisms, including both autotrophs and heterotrophs. They are often referred to as the 'powerhouses of the cell' because they are the site of cellular respiration, where energy is produced. Therefore, the presence of mitochondria is not exclusive to heterotrophs.