What is Lithotrophy

Question

What is lithotrophy? A) breakdown of molecules using light energy B) oxidation of organic electron donors to CO2and H2O C) photolysis of H2S or H2O coupled to CO2fixation D) oxidation of inorganic electron donors such as Fe²⁺using O2or anaerobic electronic acceptors E) physical breakdown of food particles to facilitate ingestion

Accepted Answer

Lithotrophy refers to the metabolism of organisms that can use inorganic compounds as electron donors and generate energy from the oxidation of these compounds. Option D describes the oxidation of inorganic electron donors using oxygen or anaerobic electron acceptors, which is a common lithotrophic process. Option A refers to photosynthesis, while option B and C describe specific forms of lithotrophy that may not apply to all organisms. Option E is not related to lithotrophy.