Dictionary > Chemolithotroph

Chemolithotroph

Definition
noun, plural: chemolitotrophs
An organism deriving energy from chemical reactions and synthesizing all necessary organic compounds from carbon dioxide.
Supplement
Examples are certain bacteria and archaea, which are further grouped into methanogens, halophiles, sulfur reducers, nitrifiers, anammoxbacteria and thermoacidophiles.
Word origin: Gk: Chemo = chemical, auto = self, troph = nourishment

Related forms: chemoautotrophic (adjective), chemoautotrophy (noun)
Synonym: chemoautotroph
Compare: chemoheterotroph

Last updated on February 26th, 2021

You will also like...

Early Earth
The Origins of Life

This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

running freshwater community
Running Water Freshwater Community Factors

This tutorial noted some of the physical and chemical factors that provide the framework of a running water community in..

Chemical composition of the body
Chemical Composition of the Body

The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

Peppered moth ("Biston betularia") melanic and light form
Examples of Natural Selection

Darwin's Finches are an example of natural selection in action. They are an excellent example of the way species' gene p..

Physical growth
Physical Development in Humans

This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..

Ecosystem Succession
Ecosystem Succession

If the balance of nature is left untouched, landscapes can change dramatically over time. A previous ecosystem is supers..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics