Question

Which statement about the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs is true?

A. Autotrophs transform radiant energy into chemical energy, but heterotrophs can’t.
B. Autotrophs take in only oxygen, but heterotrophs take in both oxygen and carbon dioxide.
C. Autotrophs have two different electron transport systems, but heterotrophs have none.
D. Autotrophs don’t have a Calvin cycle, but heterotrophs do.

Answer 1

Autotrophs transform radiant energy into chemical energy, but heterotrophs can’t. XD

Answer 2

Answer: A. Autotrophs transform radiant energy into chemical energy, but heterotrophs can’t.

Explanation: Autotrophs are green plants which contain chlorophyll and thus can absorb energy from the sun. They synthesize food with the help of carbon dioxide and solar energy and turn it into glucose which contains chemical energy in its bonds and is used as food.

`6CO_2+6H_2O\rightarrow C_6H_(12)O_6+6O_2`

Heterotrophs do not contain chlorophyll, thus cannot absorb sunlight and thus cannot manufacture their own food. They depend on autotrophs for their food needs.