Which process enables certain microorganisms to synthesize organic matter using energy derived from chemical reactions, not sunlight?

Which process enables certain microorganisms to synthesize organic matter using energy derived from chemical reactions, not sunlight?

• A. Chlorophyll
• B. Chemosynthesis
• C. Biomass
• D. Disphotic Zone

Answer: (B)

Chemosynthesis is the process by which certain microorganisms synthesize organic matter using energy released from chemical reactions rather than sunlight. These chemoautotrophs oxidize inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or reduced metals to obtain energy, which they use to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules. This enables life in environments where light doesn’t reach, like deep-sea hydrothermal vents or cold seeps. Chlorophyll is the pigment used to capture light for photosynthesis, which can’t operate without light. Biomass refers to the total organic material produced, not the process itself. The disphotic zone is a depth range with very low light, not a metabolic pathway.

Chemosynthesis is the process by which certain microorganisms synthesize organic matter using energy released from chemical reactions rather than sunlight. These chemoautotrophs oxidize inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, or reduced metals to obtain energy, which they use to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules. This enables life in environments where light doesn’t reach, like deep-sea hydrothermal vents or cold seeps.

Chlorophyll is the pigment used to capture light for photosynthesis, which can’t operate without light. Biomass refers to the total organic material produced, not the process itself. The disphotic zone is a depth range with very low light, not a metabolic pathway.