Autotrof
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Definition & Context
NounNoun
A word that functions as the name of a specific object or set of objects, such as living creatures, places, actions, qualities, states of existence, or ideas.
An organism capable of synthesizing its own organic compounds from simple inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide and water, by utilizing solar energy through the process of “photosynthesis” or chemical energy through chemosynthesis.
Synonyms & Variants
produsen
More commonly used in ecological and food chain contexts, rather than in biochemical nutrition contexts.
organisme fotosintetik
Refers specifically only to autotrophs that use light energy, excluding chemoautotrophs.
fotoautotrof
The most commonly known subcategory of autotrophs, including plants, algae, and most photosynthetic bacteria.
kemoautotrof
A subcategory of autotrophs, specifically referring to organisms that use chemical energy rather than light.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word autotrof is derived from Ancient Greek, combining two lexical elements: autos, meaning “self”, and trophe, meaning “food” or “nourishment”. Literally, the term refers to an organism's ability to “feed itself” without depending on other organisms as a source of organic energy. The term was first introduced in biological literature in the 19th century as part of the classification of organismal nutrition. In ecological contexts, autotrophs function as “producers” in the food chain, forming the foundation of all ecosystems. The word was absorbed into Indonesian through the channel of international scientific language, particularly Latin and Dutch, which greatly influenced scientific vocabulary in Indonesia from the colonial era to the present day.
Real-world Usage
Tumbuhan hijau termasuk organisme autotrof karena mampu berfotosintesis sendiri.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.