Autotroph: An organism that synthesizes organic molecules from inorganic starting materials through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Autotrophs are ecologically important as primary producers as they ultimately provide energy for all heterotrophic organisms. See also chemosynthesis, photosynthesis; compare heteroptroph.

 

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Autotroph: An organism that synthesizes organic molecules from inorganic starting materials through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Autotrophs are ecologically important as primary producers as they . . . View Full Definition

Autotrophic: Refers to organisms that synthesize their nutrients and obtain their energy from inorganic raw materials.

Autotrophs: Organisms that synthesize their own nutrients; include some bacteria that are able to synthesize organic molecules from simpler inorganic compounds.

Photosynthesis: The process by which plant cells use solar energy to produce ATP. The conversion of unusable sunlight energy into usable chemical energy, associated with the actions of chlorophyll.