Answer: True. Whether an organism is a phototroph or a chemotroph depends on its source of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
1) Phototrophs: Phototrophs are organisms that obtain energy from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis. They use the energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds, such as glucose, which serve as a source of energy. Examples of phototrophs include plants, algae, and some bacteria.
2) Chemotrophs: Chemotrophs are organisms that obtain energy from chemical compounds. They derive their energy by breaking down organic or inorganic molecules through various metabolic processes. For example, chemotrophic bacteria can obtain energy by oxidizing organic compounds or inorganic substances, such as sulfur or hydrogen gas.
The distinction between phototrophs and chemotrophs lies in the source of energy they use to power their metabolic activities. Phototrophs use sunlight as their primary source of energy, while chemotrophs rely on the energy derived from chemical reactions. Therefore, whether an organism is a phototroph or a chemotroph depends on the specific mechanism it uses to obtain energy.