Definition

Describing organisms that need specific substances for growth and metabolism that they can no longer produce themselves due to mutations.

Example

The auxotrophic strain of bacteria requires additional nutrients to grow in the lab.

Conversation

Have you heard about those auxotrophic strains of bacteria they use in labs?

Yeah, I read that they can't grow without certain nutrients.

Exactly! It's fascinating how they lose the ability to synthesize some growth factors.

Right? It shows how mutations can really change an organism's needs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Auxotrophic → It is formed from "auxo-" (from Greek "auxein", meaning to increase or grow) and "trophic" (from Greek "trophikos", meaning relating to nourishment or nutrition). The word describes organisms that require additional nutrients to grow, as they cannot synthesize them themselves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'growing' ('auxo-') and 'nourishment' ('trophic') to remember that 'auxotrophic' refers to organisms that need extra nutrients to grow.

Visually Confused Words