Yes, yeast is a heterotroph.
According to Bennett (1998), yeasts are classified as heterotrophs. This means they cannot produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis. Instead, they must obtain their energy and nutrients by consuming organic matter.
Here's a breakdown of what it means for yeast to be a heterotroph:
- Dependence on Organic Material: Unlike autotrophs (like plants) that can make their own food from sunlight and carbon dioxide, yeasts rely on external sources of organic material. This includes both living and dead organisms.
- Energy Source: Yeasts break down organic compounds to release the energy they need for growth and other biological activities.
- Nutrient Acquisition: They also acquire necessary nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus by consuming organic materials.
Examples of how yeasts act as heterotrophs:
- Fermentation: In bread making, yeast consumes sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise, and alcohol.
- Decomposition: In nature, yeasts break down decaying plant matter, returning nutrients to the environment.
In summary, yeasts are not capable of producing their own food; therefore, they depend on other sources for their energy and nutrients. This makes them a classic example of a heterotrophic organism, as highlighted by the reference (Bennett, 1998).
