Nutrient Acquisition in Biology

Practice flashcards for key concepts in nutrient acquisition and nutrition in biology.

Phototrophs

Organisms that obtain energy from sunlight.

Chemotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy from chemical compounds.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own organic compounds.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that must obtain organic carbon from other compounds.

Essential nutrients

Substances that must be obtained from the diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts, such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in trace amounts, such as iron, manganese, boron, and others.

CHONPS

An acronym representing the primary macronutrients: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur.

Chemoheterotrophs

Organisms that must obtain their nutrients from other organisms.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates made up of monosaccharides, serving as important energy sources.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins, with about half being essential in the diet.

Phospholipids

Molecules that form cell membranes and are composed of fatty acids.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a primary energy carrier in cells.

Facilitated diffusion

Movement of molecules across a membrane via transport proteins, down a concentration gradient.

Active transport

Movement of molecules against a concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Mycorrhizal associations

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots that aid in nutrient acquisition.

Proton pumps

Proteins that use ATP to transport protons across a membrane, aiding in nutrient movement.

Saprophytic plants

Plants that absorb nutrients from decaying material and do not perform photosynthesis.