chemosynthesis

[ kee-moh-sin-thuh-sis, kem-oh- ]

noun

, Biology, Biochemistry.

1. the synthesis of organic compounds within an organism, with chemical reactions providing the energy source.

chemosynthesis

/ ˌkɛməʊsɪnˈθɛtɪk; ˌkɛməʊˈsɪnθɪsɪs /

noun

1. the formation of organic material by certain bacteria using energy derived from simple chemical reactions

chemosynthesis

/ kē′mō-sĭn′thĭ-sĭs /

1. The formation of organic compounds using the energy released from chemical reactions instead of the energy of sunlight. Bacteria living in aphotic areas of the ocean are able to survive by chemosynthesis. They use energy derived from the oxidation of inorganic chemicals, such as sulfur released from deep hydrothermal vents, to produce their food.
2. Compare photosynthesis

Derived Forms

• ˌchemosynˈthetically, adverb
• chemosynthetic, adjective

Other Words From

• che·mo·syn·thet·ic [kee-moh-sin-, thet, -ik, kem-oh-], adjective
• chemo·syn·theti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemosynthesis¹

First recorded in 1900–05; chemo- + synthesis

Example Sentences

What’s more, the hydrogen can power chemosynthesis, which may provide enough organic carbon to sustain the entire community.

From Singularity Hub