5.1.7. Chemosynthesis

Unit 5- Productivity

5.1.7. Chemosynthesis
Bacteria can convert inorganic nutrients to organic compounds without the presence of sunlight. Chemosynthetic bacteria are rich in marine and freshwater environments, particularly in the areas where sulfur or hydrogen sulfide gas is dominant.

Like chlorophyll-bearing plants, chemosynthetic organisms are autotrophs. Autotrophic bacteria can obtain chemical energy due to oxidation- reduction process in the aquatic environment. The main chemical reactions are
  • Hydrogen – splitting of H2O by ionization
  • Sulphur ( S,H2S, SO32- ) by sulphur bacteria
  • Nitrogen (NH4,NO2,NO3) by nitrifying bacteria
  • Iron (Fe2+ Fe3+ ) by iron bacteria

Last modified: Monday, 2 April 2012, 9:16 AM