(organotrophic) adj. describing organisms (known as heterotrophs) that use complex organic compounds to synthesize their own organic materials. Most heterotrophs are chemoheterotrophic, i.e. they use the organic compounds as an energy source. This group includes the majority of bacteria and all animals and fungi. Compare autotrophic.
(lithotrophic) adj. describing organisms (known as autotrophs) that synthesize their organic materials from carbon dioxide and nitrates or ammonium compounds, using an external source of energy. Photoautotrophic organisms, including green plants and some bacteria, derive their energy from sunlight; chemoautotrophic (or chemosynthetic) organisms obtain energy from inorganic chemical reactions. All autotrophic bacteria are nonparasitic. Compare heterotrophic.... autotrophic
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