Skip to main content
Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth
Bauman - Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy 6th Edition
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 11

Chemolithotrophs acquire electrons from (organic/inorganic)___________ compounds.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of chemolithotrophs: these are organisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds.
Recall that chemolithotrophs use inorganic substances as their electron donors, unlike chemoorganotrophs which use organic compounds.
Identify common inorganic electron donors for chemolithotrophs, such as hydrogen sulfide (H\_2S), ammonia (NH\_3), ferrous iron (Fe\^{2+}), or hydrogen gas (H\_2).
Conclude that chemolithotrophs acquire electrons from inorganic compounds, not organic ones.
Therefore, fill in the blank with the word 'inorganic' to correctly complete the statement.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemolithotrophy

Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic compounds. Unlike chemoorganotrophs, they do not rely on organic molecules for electrons but instead use inorganic substances such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or ferrous iron.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:58
Nutritional Diversity Among Microbes

Electron Donors in Microbial Metabolism

Electron donors are molecules that provide electrons during metabolic processes. In chemolithotrophs, these donors are inorganic compounds, which are oxidized to release electrons that enter the electron transport chain for energy production.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:17
Introduction to Metabolism

Inorganic vs. Organic Compounds

Organic compounds contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and are typically used by heterotrophs as energy and electron sources. In contrast, inorganic compounds lack these bonds and include substances like minerals and gases, which chemolithotrophs utilize as electron donors.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:22
Scientific Naming of Organisms