Autotrophic nutrition - the mode of nutrition in which living organisms make their food themselves through simple things like carbon dioxide, sunlight, water , etc ! example - plants , certain bacteria, euglena , algae , etc

Heterotrophic nutrition - the mode of nutrition in which living organisms obtain their food from other organisms, actually they are dependent on others for nutrition... example - saprophytic organisms like Bacteria, fungi, parasitic organisms like lice , certain worms , Humans (Holozoic)

Autotrophic Nutrition and Heterotrophic Nutrition

Autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition are the two main types of nutrition in living organisms. Autotrophic nutrition is the process by which organisms produce their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. In contrast, heterotrophic nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain their food by consuming other organisms or organic matter.

Autotrophic Nutrition

Autotrophic nutrition occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria. The process of autotrophic nutrition involves the following steps:

1. Absorption of sunlight: Plants, algae, and some bacteria contain pigments such as chlorophyll that absorb sunlight.

2. Photosynthesis: The absorbed sunlight is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is known as photosynthesis.

3. Storage: The glucose produced during photosynthesis is stored in the form of starch or other carbohydrates in the plant cells.

Heterotrophic Nutrition

Heterotrophic nutrition occurs in animals, fungi, and some bacteria. The process of heterotrophic nutrition involves the following steps:

1. Ingestion: Animals and fungi obtain their food by ingesting other organisms or organic matter.

2. Digestion: The ingested food is broken down into simpler molecules through the process of digestion.

3. Absorption: The broken-down molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream or cells.

4. Assimilation: The absorbed molecules are used to produce energy, build new cells, and maintain the body's functions.

Differences between Autotrophic and Heterotrophic Nutrition

1. Source of food: Autotrophs produce their own food, while heterotrophs obtain their food from other organisms or organic matter.

2. Energy source: Autotrophs use sunlight to produce energy, while heterotrophs use the energy stored in the food they consume.

3. Type of organisms: Autotrophic nutrition occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, while heterotrophic nutrition occurs in animals, fungi, and some bacteria.

4. Nutrient requirements: Autotrophs require only sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food, while heterotrophs require a variety of nutrients from their food to survive.

In conclusion, autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition are two different modes of nutrition in living organisms. Autotrophs produce their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while heterotrophs obtain their food by consuming other organisms or organic matter.