What unique metabolic process is performed by chemotrophic bacteria living around deep-sea hydrothermal vents to produce organic carbohydrates in complete darkness without sunlight?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Chemosynthesis
- Step 1: Discovered along the Galápagos Rift in 1977, hydrothermal vent communities thrive miles below the reach of solar penetration.
- Step 2: Chemosynthetic bacteria oxidize toxic hydrogen sulfide () and methane escaping from hydrothermal chimneys to synthesize organic molecules, forming the foundation of a bizarre food web supporting giant tube worms (Riftia) and vent crabs.
Answer
Chemosynthesis
Why not the others: 'Photosynthesis' Photosynthesis uses light energy absorbed by chlorophyll pigments to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose; 'Fermentation' Fermentation is an anaerobic metabolic pathway that extracts chemical energy from carbohydrates without oxygen or electron transport chains; 'Photolysis' Photolysis is the chemical decomposition of molecules (such as water) initiated by light absorption during the light reactions of photosynthesis.
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