prototrophic

/ˌproʊtəˈtroʊfɪk/
adjective
  1. Describing an organism that can synthesize all its required nutrients from simple compounds, without needing complex organic molecules from its surroundings.
    • Researchers selected prototrophic mutants that could survive without added amino acids.
    • Being prototrophic is an advantage for bacteria living in nutrient-poor environments.
    • The prototrophic strain of yeast grew well in the minimal medium.
Antonyms