Modes of nutrition: Terminology

Autotrophic

Synthesis of complex organic chemicals from inorganic substances using an energy source.

Photoautotrophic

Uses light energy to combine inorganic substances into complex organic chemicals.

Chemoautotrophic

Uses chemical energy to combine inorganic substances into complex organic chemicals.

Heterotrophic

Must digest organic chemicals produced by other organisms to synthesize their own organic chemicals.

Saprotrophic / Saprobiontic

Extracellular digestion of dead or decayed organic matter; organism secretes enzymes to digest the substrate and absorb the products.

Holozoic

Absorption of organic matter followed by internal digestion of organic chemicals within the organism.

Parasitic

Obtaining nourishment from a host organism, usually to the detriment/harm of the host.

Ectoparasites

Parasites that live on the outside of a host organism.

Endoparasites

Parasites that live inside a host organism.

Symbiosis / Mutualism

Relationship where organisms live in/on other organisms, providing benefit to both.