Question

A newly described bacterial species has been shown to use CO₂ as its carbon source. Its energy source and its source of reducing power (electrons) are inorganic chemicals. Which term would best describe this nutritional type?

1) Chemolithoheterotroph
2) Photoorganoheterotroph
3) Photolithoheterotroph
4) Chemolithoatotroph

Answer 1

The best term to describe this nutritional type is chemolithoautotroph. This term indicates that the organism relies on inorganic chemicals as its energy source and reducing power, and uses CO₂ as its carbon source.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best term to describe this nutritional type is chemolithoautotroph. This term indicates that the organism relies on inorganic chemicals as its energy source and reducing power, and uses CO₂ as its carbon source. Chemolithoautotrophs are able to derive energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds and can use carbon dioxide as a sole source of carbon.