dictionary help| autotroph | medical dictionary |
<biology> An organism that makes its own food and does not require previously formed organic materials from the environment. Organisms that synthesise all their organic molecules from inorganic materials (carbon dioxide, salts etc.).
Plants are classified as autotrophs because they use photosynthesis to make their own energy. May be photo autotrophs or chemo autotrophs, depending upon the source of the energy.
Synonyms: lithotrophic organism.
Compare: heterotroph.
(02 Jan 1998)
autotransplant, autotransplantation, autotriploid < Prev | Next > autotrophic, autotrophy, autotype
Bookmark with:      | word visualiser | Go and visit our forums  |
