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7.10: Introduction to Prokaryotic Metabolism

  • Page ID
    43860
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    Identify the metabolic needs of prokaryotes

    Prokaryotes are metabolically diverse organisms. There are many different environments on Earth with various energy and carbon sources, and variable conditions. Prokaryotes have been able to live in every environment by using whatever energy and carbon sources are available. Prokaryotes fill many niches on Earth, including being involved in nutrient cycles such as nitrogen and carbon cycles, decomposing dead organisms, and thriving inside living organisms, including humans. The very broad range of environments that prokaryotes occupy is possible because they have diverse metabolic processes.

    What You’ll Learn to Do

    • Identify the macronutrients needed by prokaryotes, and explain their importance
    • Describe the ways in which prokaryotes get energy and carbon for life processes
    • Describe the roles of prokaryotes in the carbon cycle
    • Describe the roles of prokaryotes in the nitrogen cycle

    Learning Activities

    The learning activities for this section include the following:

    • Needs of Prokaryotes
    • How Prokaryotes Get Energy
    • Role of Prokaryotes in Ecosystems
    • Self Check: Prokaryotic Metabolism

    Contributors and Attributions

    CC licensed content, Original
    • Introduction to Prokaryotic Metabolism. Authored by: Shelli Carter and Lumen Learning. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
    CC licensed content, Shared previously

    7.10: Introduction to Prokaryotic Metabolism is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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