What is CHEMOSYNTHESIS?

Chemosynthesis is the process of converting carbon in the form of carbon dioxide or methane into organic molecules, without sunlight present. Instead, methane can be used, or hydrogen sulfide as the energy source for this reaction to proceed. Certain bacteria can do this in the aphotic zone in the sea and in other extreme environments on Earth. In the ocean, hydrogen sulfide or ammonia can be used by bacteria to carry out chemosynthesis. Many chemosynthetic organisms can be found by hydrothermal vents, or where methane can be found within the Earth. In hydrogen sulfide chemosynthesis, carbon dioxide plus oxygen plus hydrogen sulfide forms sulfur, water and a carbohydrate. This carbohydrate contains chemical energy that can support a food chain in an extreme environment. Other organisms can consume these bacteria and an entire food chain not dependent on sunlight can take place.