Chemosynthesis

Chemosynthesis is the biological conversion of 1-carbon molecules (usually carbon dioxide or methane) and nutrients into organic matter using the oxidation of inorganic molecules (e.g. hydrogen gas, hydrogen sulfide) or methane as a source of energy, rather than sunlight, as in photosynthesis. Large populations of animals can be supported by chemosynthetic primary production at hydrothermal vents, methane clathrate cold seeps, and whale falls.

Related Topics:
Carbon dioxide - Methane - Hydrogen - Hydrogen sulfide - Photosynthesis - Primary production - Hydrothermal vents - Methane clathrate - Cold seeps

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Many bacteria at the bottom of the oceans use chemosynthesis as a way to produce energy without sunlight, in contrast to photosynthesis. Many of these bacteria are the source of food for other organisms on the ocean floor, and symbiotic behavior is quite common.

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It has been hypothesized that chemosynthesis may support life below the surface of Mars, Jupiter's moon Europa, and other planets.

Related Topics:
Mars - Jupiter's - Europa

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