Give an example of mixotrophic nutrition?

Mixotrophy is found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

In eukaryotes, mixotrophs can be of two types:

1. Those that have their own chloroplasts.
2. Those that acquire chloroplasts from other organisms through endosymbiosis or by kleptoplasty (stealing chloroplasts).

Types of Mixotrophs

1. Obligate Mixotrophy
   • Growth and survival require both autotrophy (self-feeding using sunlight or inorganic sources) and heterotrophy (feeding on others).
2. Obligate Autotroph with Facultative Heterotrophy
   • Normally grow as autotrophs.
   • In low light conditions, they switch to heterotrophy for survival.
3. Facultative Autotroph with Obligate Heterotrophy
   • Primarily heterotrophic.
   • Can switch to autotrophy when prey is scarce.
4. Facultative Mixotrophy
   • Can grow either autotrophically or heterotrophically.
   • Use mixotrophy only when necessary.

Efficiency-Based Types

• Type 1: “Ideal mixotrophs” – use both prey and sunlight equally.
• Type 2: Mainly autotrophic, but food consumption supports growth.
• Type 3: Mainly heterotrophic, but rely on photosynthesis if prey is limited.

Examples

• Microorganism:Paracoccus pantotrophus
• Plants: Seen in carnivorous plants, hemiparasites, and myco-heterotrophic species.