Heterotrophic Bacteria: Definition, Structure, Characteristics– Class 11 | Chapter – 2 | Short Notes Series PDF
Heterotrophic Bacteria derive energy from organic compounds. They are widely distributed and most abundant forms. They may be aerobic or anaerobic. They are omnipresent and found in the food, soil, water. They help in recycling of natural substances.
They derive energy from organic compounds.
They protect our body from defending the invading pathogens.
Sphere, Rod, Spiral, and Spherical are the different shapes in which Heterotrophic Bacteria can be found.
They use organic nutrients for growth
They act as cleaning and disinfectant agents
They are present in all types of water, soil, air, vegetation, and food.
The smell of rain is caused by a certain group of gram-positive bacteria that is present in the soil.
They do not synthesize their own food.
They are depended on a host for food.
There are many bacteriapresent in our gut that help in digestion and protect our body from defending the invading pathogens, also known as Good bacteria.
They are abundant in nature.
They are known as decomposers.
Compared to the other human body parts mouth and belly buttons have the most bacteria. There are more than a thousand to millions of new species of bacteria in the mouth and belly button of a human body.
Characteristics Of Heterotrophic Bacteria
Some of the characteristics of heterotrophic bacteria are:
Heterotrophic bacteria cannot produce organic substances from inorganic ones.
It lacks a membrane-bound nucleus.
Bacteria use both sexual and asexual methods for reproduction.
Heterotrophic bacteria derive energy from organic compounds.
They help in decomposing dead & decaying plants and animal remnants.
They are small, circular, double-stranded DNA Structures, which are naturally found altogether in bacterial cells.
They rely on an organic source of carbon that is originated as part of another living organism.
Heterotrophic bacteria depend either directly or indirectly on autotrophs for nutrients and food energy.
Different types of Heterotrophic Bacteria?
According to their habitat, food source and association with other organisms, heterotrophic bacteria can be divided into three main categories:
Parasitic – They derive their food from living organisms
Saprophytic – They feed on dead and decaying organic matter
Symbiotic – They live in symbiotic association with other organisms.