PRCC Microbiology Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Question: 1 / 400

Photoheterotrophs obtain carbon primarily from what source?

Inorganic chemicals

Organic chemicals

Photoheterotrophs are microorganisms that utilize light energy for their metabolic processes while relying primarily on organic compounds as their source of carbon. This means that they can convert light energy into chemical energy, but they need organic molecules (such as sugars) to satisfy their carbon requirements.

In contrast, other groups such as photoautotrophs, utilize carbon dioxide as their carbon source and inorganic chemicals, while chemolithotrophs rely on inorganic compounds for both energy and carbon. While light energy is fundamental for photoheterotrophs, it serves primarily to fuel their metabolic activities rather than to provide carbon. Therefore, recognizing that organic chemicals serve as the vital source of carbon for these organisms solidifies an understanding of their ecological role and metabolic strategies.

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Carbon dioxide

Light energy

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