Question

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.

Short answer

a. The option “Autotrophs, but not heterotrophs, can nourish themselves beginning with CO₂ and other nutrients that are inorganic” is true.

b. The option “Only heterotrophs require chemical compounds from the environment” is false.

c. The option “Cellular respiration is unique to heterotrophs” is false.

d. The option “Only heterotrophs have mitochondria” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

All organisms are divided into two types depending on energy and carbon sources, namely autotrophs and heterotrophs. Autotrophs can survive without consuming other organisms and can make their own food using energy from sunlight and other inorganic compounds. Plants are the primary example of autotrophic organisms.

Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot make their food; they only depend on other organisms and their organic compounds for food.

Explanation of option (A)

Autotrophs can make their food by synthesizing organic compounds using CO₂, water, and other inorganic sources from the environment. They fix atmospheric CO₂ to some organic compounds that are the source of energy for them. They require minerals from the soil to make food. Heterotrophs cannot undergo this process of food synthesis.

Thus, autotrophs make their own food by using CO₂and other nutrients.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option (B)

Only autotrophs need chemical compounds from the atmosphere for the synthesis of food. Autotrophs make their food using these compounds, and heterotrophs depend on the organic compounds produced by them.

Heterotrophs cannot utilize chemical compounds to make food.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (C)

Cellular respiration is the process by which each and every organism gets energy by breaking organic compounds. So, all heterotrophs and autotrophs undergo this process.

Thus, heterotrophs are not the only organisms that depend on cellular respiration for energy.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (D)

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles that are the sites for ATP production and are found in all eukaryotic cells.

Thus, mitochondria are not confined to heterotrophs.

Therefore, the given statement is false.