auxotroph

views updated May 11 2018

auxotroph An organism (usually a bacterium) that, as a result of a mutation, has lost the ability to synthesize a particular substance essential for its growth, e.g. an amino acid or a sugar. The organism must be able to obtain this component from its environment if it is to survive and grow. Compare PROTOTROPH.

auxotroph

views updated May 14 2018

auxotroph An organism (usually a bacterium) that, as a result of a mutation, has lost the ability to synthesize a particular substance essential for its growth (e.g. an amino acid or a sugar). The organism must be able to obtain this component from its environment if it is to survive and grow. Compare prototroph.