Chemoautotroph
Chemoautotroph
Chemoautotrophs (/ˈkiːmoʊˌɔːtoʊˌtrɒfs/, from the Greek chemo meaning 'chemical', auto meaning 'self', and troph meaning 'nourishment') are organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of electron donors in their environments. These molecules can be organic (chemoorganotrophs) or inorganic (chemolithotrophs). The chemotroph designation is in contrast to phototrophs, which utilize solar energy.
Etymology
The term "Chemoautotroph" is derived from the Greek words chemo (chemical), auto (self), and troph (nourishment). It refers to the organism's ability to create its own nourishment through chemical processes.
Characteristics
Chemoautotrophs, also known as chemolithoautotrophs, are able to synthesize their own organic molecules using energy derived from the oxidation of inorganic substances. Some examples of these substances include hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur, ferrous iron, and ammonia. This is in contrast to heterotrophs, which are unable to synthesize their own food and instead rely on consuming other organisms or organic molecules.
Examples
Some examples of chemoautotrophs include certain types of bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, and Thiobacillus. These bacteria are often found in environments with extreme conditions, such as deep-sea vents or hot springs.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chemoautotroph
- Wikipedia's article - Chemoautotroph
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