Final answer:
Prokaryotes are classified into three main metabolic groups: photoautotrophs, chemoautotrophs, and heterotrophs. Photoautotrophs obtain energy from sunlight and use carbon dioxide as their main source of carbon. Chemoautotrophs obtain energy from chemical compounds and also use carbon dioxide as their main source of carbon. Heterotrophs obtain both energy and carbon compounds from organic sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prokaryotes can be classified into three main metabolic groups based on their carbon and energy sources: photoautotrophs, chemoautotrophs, and heterotrophs.
Photoautotrophs obtain energy from sunlight and use carbon dioxide as their main source of carbon. They are able to carry out photosynthesis to produce their own food.
Chemoautotrophs obtain energy from chemical compounds and also use carbon dioxide as their main source of carbon. They obtain energy through processes like chemosynthesis.
Heterotrophs obtain both energy and carbon compounds from organic sources. They rely on other organisms for their energy and carbon needs.