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Some organisms are capable of synthesizing organic molecules from inorganic precursors,
and of storing biochemical energy in the process. These are called autotrophs, meaning "self- feeding." Autotrophs are also referred to as primary producers. Organisms able to
manufacture complex organic molecules from simple inorganic compounds (e.g. water, CO2, nutrients) include plants, some protists, and some bacteria. The process by which they do this is called photosynthesis, and as the name implies, photosynthesis requires light.
Equation for Photosynthesis: 6 CO2+ 6 H2O + sunlight = C6H12O6 + 6O2
Equation for respiration: C6H12O2 6 CO2 + 6 H2O
Photosynthesis stores energy, but respiration releases it for use in functions such as reproduction and basic maintenance. When calculating the amount of energy that a plant stores as biomass, which is then available to heterotrophs, we must subtract plant respiration costs from the total primary production.
Some organisms can only obtain their energy by feeding on other organisms. These are called heterotrophs. They include consumers Of any organism, in any form: plants, animals, microbes, or even dead tissue. Heterotrophs are also called consumers.
francis1897 answered the question on February 27, 2023 at 12:17
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