Chemosynthesis
Brandon, Alesia, Ruth, Lizbeth, Charles, Brock, & Paige
Chemosynthesis vs. Photosynthesis
● Chemosynthesis:
● Uses the oxidation of inorganic matter as a source of
energy to convert carbon dioxide to sugar and sulfur
● 12 H2S + 6 CO2 -> C6H12O6 + 6 H2O + 12 S
● Unique in the fact that it produces solid globules of sulfur
● Requires a sufficient source of inorganic matter to
oxidize.
Brandon
Chemosynthesis vs. Photosynthesis
● Photosynthesis:
● Uses solar energy to turn carbon dioxide and water into
sugar and oxygen.
● 6 CO2 + 6 H20 + energy(light) -> C6H12O6 + 6 O2
● Produces NADPH and ATP.
● Requires sufficient sunlight.
Ruth
The Uses
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Charles
While the two processes
are very similar they are
performed by 2 different
types of Autotrophs.
Photoautotrophs
○
any organism that obtains
○
energy for producing food
from light
Perform Photosynthesis
Chemoautotrophs
○
any organism that obtains
○
energy from the oxidation of
inorganic compounds
Perform Chemosynthesis
Photoautotrophs vs. Chemoautotrophs
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Photoautotrophs:
Typically found in a terrestrial
environment, however not limited
to land. Some aquatic organisms
use photosynthesis
Examples: Plants, algae, some
protists (euglena), some
prokaryotes, etc.
However photosynthesis can only
occur up to a certain depth of
water, called the photic zone.
Lizbeth
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Chemoautotrophs:
Found largely found along the
ocean floor in very hostile deep sea
environments, beneath the photic
zone. Most are found in close
proximity to Thermal Vents
Examples: Bacteria and archaea
(prokaryotes)
This organisms are the primary
producers of the deep sea
ecosystem.
Alesia
Q&A
Photoautotrophs or Chemoautotrophs?
Which are most likely to be found in deep-sea environments or near thermal
vents?
Paige
Answer
Chemoautotrophs!
Photoautotrophs can be found in aquatic environments only in the photic zone or
above because photosynthesis requires solar energy, which cannot be found in
dark, deep sea environments
Paige
Q&A
Chemosynthesis is unique in the fact that it produces solid
globules of which element(s)?
A.) Oxygen
B.) Hydrogen
C.) Sulfur
D.) Both A and C
Paige
Answer
The answer is C, Sulfur!
Chemosynthesis converts carbon dioxide into sugar and sulfur by oxidizing
inorganic matter as a source of energy.
Paige
Q&A
True or False?
Chemoautotrophs and Photoautotrophs are considered heterotrophs.
Paige
Answer
False!
Both Chemoautotrophs and Photoautotrophs are considered Autotrophs.
Paige