Prepare for the Microbial Metabolism Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with helpful hints and detailed explanations. Ace your test with ease!

Multiple Choice

Which statement correctly describes chemotrophs?

The important idea is how organisms obtain energy to power metabolism. Chemotrophs derive their energy by oxidizing chemical compounds—either inorganic or organic—through chemical reactions. This energy source is chemical oxidation, not light. That sets them apart from phototrophs, which harvest energy from light. While chemotrophs may use CO2 or organic carbon as their carbon source (making them autotrophs or heterotrophs, respectively), their energy comes from chemical oxidation. For example, nitrifying bacteria gain energy by oxidizing ammonia to nitrite.

The important idea is how organisms obtain energy to power metabolism. Chemotrophs derive their energy by oxidizing chemical compounds—either inorganic or organic—through chemical reactions. This energy source is chemical oxidation, not light. That sets them apart from phototrophs, which harvest energy from light. While chemotrophs may use CO2 or organic carbon as their carbon source (making them autotrophs or heterotrophs, respectively), their energy comes from chemical oxidation. For example, nitrifying bacteria gain energy by oxidizing ammonia to nitrite.