Heterotrophic respiration is a set of metabolic processes through which organisms produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and release energy from organic compounds that they have ingested or otherwise incorporated from outside themselves. It may be differentiated from autotrophic respiration, in which energy-bearing compounds are produced by the organism through processes such as photosynthesis. Heterotrophic organisms include animals, fungi, and many types of bacteria.

Salem Press Encyclopedia of Science, 2023. 2p.