Question

Imagine that you discover a microbial deep-sea organism that can derive energy from (inorganic) hydrogen gas (H2). In addition, this microbe can synthesize organic compounds from carbon-containing inorganic molecules in the ocean. This microbe is a:_________

Answer 1

chemoautotroph

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemoautotrophs are the organisms that derive the energy from inorganic chemicals. They do not use the energy of sunlight. Being autotrophs, they are able to synthesize the organic compounds from the inorganic substances. Some of the microbes present in the deep hydrothermal vents are chemoautotroph and use sulfur compounds as an energy source. The given microbe is able to make organic compounds and therefore, is an autotroph. Since it fulfills its energy requirements from the inorganic substances, it is a chemoautotroph.