Definition

A type of microorganism that can create its own nutrients from non-organic substances.

Example

The prototroph can thrive in environments where organic nutrients are scarce.

Conversation

I was reading about how a prototroph can create its own nutrients from inorganic sources.

That's interesting! I didn’t know microorganisms could do that.

Yeah, it’s fascinating to think about how they survive in harsh environments.

Absolutely! Nature has some amazing ways of adapting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prototroph is formed from "proto-" (meaning first or primary) and "troph" (from Greek "trophē", meaning nourishment or food). The word refers to an organism that can synthesize its own food from inorganic substances, thus being a primary source of nourishment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'proto-' meaning first, and 'troph' relating to nourishment — this helps you remember that a prototroph is an organism that is a primary source of its own food.

Visually Confused Words