The ability of some microorganism to utilize the chemical energy contained in certain inorganic chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide for the production of organic material.
Such organisms are producers.

Chem`o*syn"the*sis (?), n. [Chemical + synthesis.] (Plant Physiol.)

Synthesis of organic compounds by energy derived from chemical changes or reactions. Chemosynthesis of carbohydrates occurs in the nitrite bacteria through the oxidation of ammonia to nitrous acid, and in the nitrate bacteria through the conversion of nitrous into nitric acid. -- Chem`o*syn*thet"ic (#), a.

 

© Webster 1913

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