10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth

The prefix photo- indicates that an organism will make use of _______ for energy purposes.

Biologists can divide living organisms into two groups:autotrophs and heterotrophs, which differ in _________.

Organisms that use organic molecules as their source of carbon are called:

Organisms that use CO₂ as their source of carbon are called

Nitrogen and phosphorus added to beaches following an oil spill encourage the growth of natural oil-degrading bacteria. Explain why the bacteria do not grow if nitrogen and phosphorus are not added.

Which of the following is not a growth factor for various microbes?

a. cholesterol

b. water

c. vitamins

d. heme

In a defined medium, ________.

a. the exact chemical composition of the medium is known

b. agar is available for microbial nutrition

c. blood may be included

d. organic chemicals are excluded

All cells recycle the essential element ___________ from amino acids and nucleotides.