What does auxotroph mean?
An auxotroph is an organism that requires an external source of a particular nutrient because it is unable to synthesize that nutrient. This is in contrast to a prototroph, which is able to synthesize all of its necessary nutrients. Auxotrophs are often used in genetic studies to understand the role of specific genes in nutrient synthesis. The term auxotroph is derived from the Greek words 'trophe', meaning 'nourishment', and 'trophos', meaning 'nourisher'. In biology, the study of auxotrophs has led to a greater understanding of the complex interactions between genes and the environment. Auxotrophs are an important tool in the field of microbiology, where they are used to study genetic mutations and understand the role of specific genes in nutrient synthesis. By studying auxotrophs, scientists can gain insights into the complex processes that govern the growth and development of living organisms.
nounAn organism that requires an external source of a particular nutrient because it is unable to synthesize that nutrient.
- An organism that requires an external source of a particular nutrient because it is unable to synthesize that nutrient.
"The auxotroph was unable to grow without the addition of a specific vitamin to its culture medium."
"The auxotroph was unable to grow without the addition of a specific vitamin to its culture medium."
"In microbiology, auxotrophs are often used as model organisms to study genetic mutations."
The plural form of auxotroph is used to describe multiple organisms that require an external source of a particular nutrient.
"The auxotrophs were unable to grow without the addition of a specific vitamin to their culture medium."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of auxotroph
The term auxotroph was coined in the 1940s by geneticists studying the role of specific genes in nutrient synthesis. The word is derived from the Greek words 'trophe', meaning 'nourishment', and 'trophos', meaning 'nourisher'. In biology, the study of auxotrophs has led to a greater understanding of the complex interactions between genes and the environment.
How auxotroph is actually used
In biology, the term auxotroph is used to describe an organism that requires an external source of a particular nutrient. This is in contrast to a prototroph, which is able to synthesize all of its necessary nutrients. Auxotrophs are often used in genetic studies to understand the role of specific genes in nutrient synthesis.