Chemosynthesis
Chemosynthesis
Chemosynthesis (/ˌkēmōˈsinTHəsəs/; from the Greek chemia, meaning 'chemistry', and synthesis, meaning 'combination') is a process by which some organisms, such as certain bacteria, use chemical reactions to create a substance needed for survival, typically in the absence of sunlight.
Process
In chemosynthesis, organisms use chemical energy, typically from inorganic molecules, to convert carbon molecules and nutrients into organic matter. This process is in contrast to photosynthesis, where energy from sunlight is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Organisms
Organisms that use chemosynthesis are called chemoautotrophs. Most chemoautotrophs are bacteria or archaea that live in hostile environments such as deep sea vents, where sunlight cannot penetrate. These organisms are part of a larger group of organisms known as autotrophs, which also includes plants and algae that perform photosynthesis.
Energy Source
The energy source for chemosynthesis may be elemental sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, molecular hydrogen, ammonia, manganese, or iron. Examples of chemoautotrophs include bacteria and methanogenic archaea living in deep sea vents.
Importance
Chemosynthesis is crucial for life in the deep sea, where sunlight does not penetrate. It also plays a significant role in the nitrogen cycle, as some bacteria can use chemosynthesis to convert nitrogen gas into nitrates that plants can absorb and use.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chemosynthesis
- Wikipedia's article - Chemosynthesis
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