Distinguish between the 4 major modes of nutrition of prokaryotes and identify each modes energy source and carbon source as well as giving an example

The four major modes of nutrition in prokaryotes are photoautotrophic, chemoautotrophic, photoheterotrophic, and chemoheterotrophic. Their differences, energy source and carbon source are explained below:

WHAT ARE PROKARYOTES?

Prokaryotes are a group of organisms that do not have their genetic material enclosed in a membrane bound NUCLEUS. They include bacteria, archeae etc.

METABOLISM IN PROKARYOTES:

All organisms, prokaryotes inclusive, need energy for their metabolic activities. They also need carbon. Hence, based on their carbon and energy source, prokaryotes can be:

Photoautotrophic: These are prokaryotic organisms that use carbon dioxide as their carbon source and light as their energy source. Example is

cyanobacteria.

Chemoautotrophic: These are prokaryotic organisms that act on inorganic substances as energy source and use carbon dioxide as carbon source. Example is Nitrosomonas bacteria.Photoheterotrophic: These are prokaryotic organisms that use light as source of energy but obtain carbon from other organisms (organic sources). Examples are heliobacteria, sulfur bacteria.Chemoheterotrophic: These are prokaryotic organisms that act on inorganic substances as energy source but derive their carbon source from organic compounds (other organisms).

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