What is chemosinthesis?

Answer 1

Chemosynthesis is a biological process by which certain organisms, primarily bacteria and archaea, convert inorganic compounds into organic matter using chemical energy, rather than sunlight, as their energy source. This process typically occurs in environments devoid of sunlight, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where organisms utilize substances like hydrogen sulfide or methane. Chemosynthesis plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems in these extreme environments, forming the base of the food web where traditional photosynthesis cannot occur.