How do bacteria obtain energy?
Bacteria can be classified into 2 groups, based on the source of their energy. These 2 groups are the heterotrophs and the autotrophs. The heterotrophs derive energy from breaking down complex organic compounds. They must first take these up from their environment. Since these compounds were already made by other organisms, they contain the energy that the bacterium needs. The autotrophs do not need to “eat” organic compounds; they can make them themselves. Autotrophic bacteria can fixate carbion dioxide to make their food source. This might be done in two ways, either by using light energy as the energy source, or by oxidizing nitrogen, sulfur or other elements. So instead of using the energy that is already present in organic compounds made by other organisms, they use chemicals or the sun as the energy source. Cyanobacteria are examples of bacteria that use light and carbion dioxide. Autotrophs will use the energy stored in the sun or in chemical bonds, to make their own carbon-cont
