ChloroplastPlant organelle that conducts photosynthesisStructure of a typical higher-plant chloroplast. The green chlorophyll is contained in stacks of disk-like thylakoids.Chloroplasts, containing thylakoids, visible in the cells of Rosulabryum capillare, a type of mossA chloroplast ( ) is a type of organelle known as a plastid that conducts photosynthesis mostly in plant and algal cells.Primary nutritional groupsPrimary nutritional groups are groups of organisms, divided according to the sources of energy, electrons, and carbon needed for living, growth, and reproduction. The sources of energy can be light or chemical compounds, the source of electrons can be organic or inorganic, and the sources of carbon can also be of organic or inorganic origin..
ChemotrophA chemotroph is an organism that obtains energy by the oxidation of electron donors in their environments. These molecules can be organic (chemoorganotrophs) or inorganic (chemolithotrophs). The chemotroph designation is in contrast to phototrophs, which use photons. Chemotrophs can be either autotrophic or heterotrophic. Chemotrophs can be found in areas where electron donors are present in high concentration, for instance around hydrothermal vents.
EndosymbiontOrganism that lives within the body or cells of another organismAn endosymbiont is an organism that lives inside other cells, usually providing benefits to both organisms.A representation of the endosymbiotic theoryAn endosymbiont or endobiont is an organism that lives within the body or cells of another organism. Typically, the two organisms are in a mutualistic relationship.
SymbiosisSymbiosis (pl.: symbioses) is any close and long-term biological interaction between two organisms of different species. In 1879, Heinrich Anton de Bary defined symbiosis as "the living together of unlike organisms". The term is sometimes more exclusively used in a restricted, mutualistic sense, where both symbionts contribute to each other's subsistence. This means that they benefit each other in some way. Symbiosis is diverse and can be classified in multiple ways.
HeterotrophA heterotroph (; from Ancient Greek ἕτερος (héteros), meaning "other", and τροφή (trophḗ), meaning "nourishment") is an organism that cannot produce its own food, instead taking nutrition from other sources of organic carbon, mainly matter from other organisms. In the food chain, heterotrophs are primary, secondary and tertiary consumers, but not producers.
LithotrophLithotrophs are a diverse group of organisms using an inorganic substrate (usually of mineral origin) to obtain reducing equivalents for use in biosynthesis (e.g., carbon dioxide fixation) or energy conservation (i.e., ATP production) via aerobic or anaerobic respiration.
PlanktonOrganisms living in water or air that drift in the current or windMarine microplankton and mesoplankton Part of the contents of one dip of a hand net. The image contains diverse planktonic organisms, ranging from photosyntheticcyanobacteria and diatoms to many different types of zooplankton, including both holoplankton (permanent residents of the plankton like copepods) and meroplankton (temporary residents of the plankton like fish eggs and crab larvae).
AutotrophAn autotroph is an organism that can convert abiotic sources of energy into stored energy in organic compounds, which can be used by other organisms. CharacteristicsAutotrophs produce complex organic compounds (such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) using carbon from simple substances such as carbon dioxide, generally using energy from light or inorganic chemical reactions.
EukaryoteDomain of life whose cells have nucleiThe eukaryotes () are cellularorganisms of the domainEukaryota or Eukarya, which have a distinct cell nucleus (formed by a nuclear membrane), membrane-bound organelles and organization supported by a cytoskeleton. Extant eukaryotes are traditionally grouped into four kingdoms: animals, plants, fungi and protists.
PhototrophPhototrophs (from Ancient Greek φῶς, φωτός (phôs, phōtós) 'light' and τροφή (trophḗ) 'nourishment') are organisms that carry out photon capture to acquire energy. They use the energy from light to carry out various cellular metabolic processes. It is a common misconception that phototrophs are obligatorily photosynthetic.
KleptoplastyKleptoplasty or kleptoplastidy is a process in symbiotic relationships whereby plastids, notably chloroplasts from algae, are sequestered by the host. The algae is eaten normally and partially digested, leaving the plastid intact. The plastids are maintained within the host, temporarily continuing photosynthesis and benefiting the host.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.