Photoautotrophs Harness Light Energy, While Chemoautotrophs Rely on Oxidation Reactions
Organisms that use light energy to convert inorganic substances into organic compounds through photosynthesis.
- Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments.
- This energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Remember: Photoautotrophs rely on light, making them dependent on environments where sunlight is available.
Oxidation Reactions as the Energy Source in Chemoautotrophs
Organisms that use chemical reactions to obtain energy, enabling them to thrive in environments without sunlight.
- Oxidation reactions release energy by transferring electrons from one molecule to another.
- Chemoautotrophs use this energy to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds.
Chemoautotrophs are critical in ecosystems where sunlight is absent, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or underground caves.
Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria: A Case Study
- Environment: Iron-oxidizing bacteria thrive in acidic environments, such as those created by mining activities or natural erosion.
- Process:
