microbiology an introduction 12th edition test bank Related

Review microbiology an introduction 12th edition test bank related questions and content

Bacteria that use organic compounds as the source of both carbon and energy are referred to as:

  • A. photoautotrophs
  • B. chemoautotrophs
  • C. photoheterotrophs
  • D. chemoheterotrophs
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: chemoheterotrophs. Chemoheterotrophs use organic compounds as both their carbon source and energy source. They obtain energy by breaking down organic molecules through cellular respiration. Photoautotrophs (A) use light energy to produce organic compounds, chemoautotrophs (B) use inorganic compounds for energy, and photoheterotrophs (C) use light energy but require organic compounds as a carbon source. Therefore, chemoheterotrophs best describe bacteria that obtain both carbon and energy from organic compounds.