Chemosynthesis

Beginning of a hydrothermal vent. Photo courtesy of NOAA.

Photosynthesis is not the only way in which energy is introduced into an ecosystem. Organisms living near hydrothermal vents use chemosynthesis because very little sunlight reaches the bottom of the ocean.

Chemosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water, just like photosynthesis, but uses sulfur chemicals instead of sunlight. The equation for chemosynthesis is as follows:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + 3H₂S —› C₆H₁₂O₆ + 3H₂SO₄

Last modified: Monday, 31 October 2011, 5:20 PM