An autotroph is an organism that produces complex organic compounds from simple substances present in its surroundings, generally using energy from light (by photosynthesis) or inorganic chemical reactions (chemosynthesis).
Autotrophs can be phototrophs, lithotrophs, or chemotrophs. Phototrophs use light as an energy source, while lithotrophs make use of inorganic compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur, ammonium and ferrous iron, as reducing agents for biosynthesis and chemical energy storage. Chemotrophic species simply utilize electron donors as a source of energy, whether it be from organic or inorganic sources, however in the case of autotrophs, these electron donors come from inorganic chemical sources.
Gate2Biotech - Biotechnology Portal - All Czech Biotechnology information in one place.
ISSN 1802-2685
This website is maintained by: CREOS CZ
© 2006 - 2024 South Bohemian Agency for Support to Innovative Enterprising (JAIP)
Interesting biotechnology content:
Bioenergy 2007 - Conference bioenergy 2007
Biotechnology - Biotech information at Wikipedia
Researchers discover new clues to how tardigrades can survive intense radiation
Newly identified yeast could prevent fungal infections by outcompeting rivals, study suggests