Question

select the correct answer.
which statement about the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs is true?
a. autotrophs transform radiant energy into chemical energy, but heterotrophs cant.
b. autotrophs take in only oxygen, but heterotrophs take in both oxygen and carbon dioxide.
c. autotrophs have two different electron transport systems, but heterotrophs have none.
d. autotrophs dont have a calvin cycle, but heterotrophs do.

Explanation:

• Option A: Autotrophs (like plants) perform photosynthesis, converting radiant (light) energy into chemical energy (glucose). Heterotrophs rely on consuming organic matter and can’t do this energy transformation from light.
• Option B: Autotrophs take in CO₂ (for photosynthesis) and release O₂, while heterotrophs take in O₂ and release CO₂. So this is incorrect.
• Option C: Both autotrophs and heterotrophs (e.g., in cellular respiration) have electron transport systems. So this is wrong.
• Option D: The Calvin cycle is part of photosynthesis (autotrophs use it to fix CO₂), heterotrophs don’t have a Calvin cycle. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Autotrophs transform radiant energy into chemical energy, but heterotrophs can’t.