Quimiotróficos

Quimiotróficos are organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of electron donors in their chemical environment. This contrasts with phototrophs, which use light energy. The term "chemo" refers to the chemical compounds used as energy sources, and "troph" means to feed. These organisms are crucial for many biogeochemical cycles on Earth, as they can break down and utilize a wide variety of inorganic and organic substances.

There are two main categories of quimiotróficos: chemoautotrophs and chemoheterotrophs. Chemoautotrophs, often referred to as chemolithoautotrophs, obtain both energy and carbon from inorganic sources. They oxidize inorganic compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or ferrous iron to gain energy and fix carbon dioxide to build their organic molecules. Chemoheterotrophs, on the other hand, obtain energy from organic compounds and also use organic compounds as their carbon source. This category includes a vast majority of bacteria and archaea, as well as all animals, fungi, and many protists.

Quimiotróficos play vital roles in ecosystems, particularly in environments where light is scarce, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, underground caves, and within soils. They can be found in extreme environments, highlighting their metabolic versatility. Their ability to extract energy from diverse chemical reactions makes them essential for nutrient cycling, decomposition, and the foundation of food webs in many habitats.