chemoszintézis

Chemosynthesis is a biological process in which organisms produce energy from chemical reactions. Unlike photosynthesis, which uses light energy, chemosynthesis relies on the oxidation of inorganic compounds. These inorganic compounds can include hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and ferrous iron. The energy released from these chemical reactions is then used to synthesize organic molecules, essentially creating food from inorganic matter. This process is primarily carried out by certain bacteria and archaea, known as chemotrophs.

Chemosynthetic organisms are often found in environments where sunlight is absent or insufficient for photosynthesis, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and within the soil or underground. At hydrothermal vents, for example, bacteria utilize hydrogen sulfide released from the Earth's interior to produce energy. This energy then fuels the creation of organic carbon, forming the base of a unique food web that supports various other organisms, including tube worms, clams, and shrimp. Chemosynthesis plays a vital role in nutrient cycling and supports ecosystems in some of the planet's most extreme environments.