MeSH definition : Processes by which phototrophic organisms use sunlight as their primary energy source.
Contrasts with chemotrophic processes which do not depend on light and function in
deriving energy from exogenous chemical sources. Photoautotrophy (or photolithotrophy)
is the ability to use sunlight as energy to fix inorganic nutrients to be used for
other organic requirements. Photoautotrophs include all GREEN PLANTS; GREEN ALGAE;
CYANOBACTERIA; and green and PURPLE SULFUR BACTERIA. Photoheterotrophs or photoorganotrophs
require a supply of organic nutrients for their organic requirements but use sunlight
as their primary energy source; examples include certain PURPLE NONSULFUR BACTERIA.
Depending on environmental conditions some organisms can switch between different
nutritional modes (AUTOTROPHY; HETEROTROPHY; chemotrophy; or phototrophy) to utilize
different sources to meet their nutrients and energy requirements.;
Processes by which phototrophic organisms use sunlight as their primary energy source.
Contrasts with chemotrophic processes which do not depend on light and function in
deriving energy from exogenous chemical sources. Photoautotrophy (or photolithotrophy)
is the ability to use sunlight as energy to fix inorganic nutrients to be used for
other organic requirements. Photoautotrophs include all GREEN PLANTS; GREEN ALGAE;
CYANOBACTERIA; and green and PURPLE SULFUR BACTERIA. Photoheterotrophs or photoorganotrophs
require a supply of organic nutrients for their organic requirements but use sunlight
as their primary energy source; examples include certain PURPLE NONSULFUR BACTERIA.
Depending on environmental conditions some organisms can switch between different
nutritional modes (AUTOTROPHY; HETEROTROPHY; chemotrophy; or phototrophy) to utilize
different sources to meet their nutrients and energy requirements.