heterotrophic with genome store in DNA

 

Question: 24 of 47

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Which of the following is characteristic of the human organism?

Autotrophic with a genome stored in DNA

Humans consume rather than manufacture nutrient molecules.

Heterotrophic with a genome stored in DNA

MY ANSWER

Humans consume rather than manufacture nutrient molecules (heterotrophic), and human genes are encoded in DNA.

Autotrophic with a genome stored in RNA

Humans consume rather than manufacture nutrient molecules, and human genes are encoded in DNA.

Heterotrophic with a genome stored in RNA

Human genes are encoded in DNA.

Humans are Heterotrophic

• Heterotrophic means we cannot make our own food like plants do.

• Plants are autotrophic — they make sugar (glucose) from sunlight through photosynthesis.

• Humans (and other animals) must consume food — proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals — to get energy and nutrients.

👉 Example: When you eat rice or bread, you get carbohydrates that your body breaks down into glucose for energy.

2. Human Genes are Encoded in DNA

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that stores genetic information in humans.

• Genes are segments of DNA that carry instructions for making proteins.

• Proteins control structure (like muscles, skin, hair) and function (like enzymes, hormones, antibodies).

• Humans have about 20,000–25,000 genes stored in their DNA inside the nucleus of cells.

👉 Example: The gene for hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) tells the body how to make the protein that carries oxygen.

✅ In short:

• Humans are heterotrophs → we eat food for nutrients.

• Our genes are written in DNA → this DNA controls how our body works and develops.