Final answer:
Both autotrophs and heterotrophs use cellular respiration to obtain energy in the form of ATP. Autotrophs use cellular respiration for their metabolic needs, while heterotrophs acquire high-energy carbon compounds from autotrophs through respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both autotrophs and heterotrophs use cellular respiration to obtain cellular energy in the form of ATP. Autotrophs, like plants, use cellular respiration to break down glucose and release energy that they use for their own metabolic needs. Heterotrophs, on the other hand, acquire high-energy carbon compounds from autotrophs by consuming them and breaking them down through respiration to obtain energy. This constant exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between autotrophs and heterotrophs is one way that the carbon cycle connects all living organisms on Earth.