Question

Why are chemoautotrophs not considered the same as photoautotrophs if they both extract energy and make sugars?

a) Chemoautotrophs use chemicals as an energy source, while photoautotrophs use light.
b) Chemoautotrophs use photosystems, while photoautotrophs do not.
c) Chemoautotrophs do not produce sugars.
d) Chemoautotrophs use oxygen as an electron acceptor.

Answer 1

Chemoautotrophs use inorganic chemical compounds for energy, unlike photoautotrophs that use sunlight, making the two distinct despite both being able to synthesize their own food. The correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemoautotrophs are not considered the same as photoautotrophs despite both being able to extract energy and produce sugars. The fundamental difference lies in their energy sources. Chemoautotrophs extract energy from inorganic chemical compounds while photoautotrophs harness energy from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis.

Chemoautotrophs, which include certain bacteria and archaeans, are the primary producers in unique ecosystems like hydrothermal vents and hot springs where sunlight is not available. In contrast, photoautotrophs, such as plants, algae, and many bacteria, are primary producers in most ecosystems on Earth, using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds through photosynthesis.