chemosynthesis

[kee-moh-sin-thuh-sis, kem-oh-] /ˌki moʊˈsɪn θə sɪs, ˌkɛm oʊ-/
noun, Biology, Biochemistry
1.
the synthesis of organic compounds within an organism, with chemical reactions providing the energy source.
Origin
1900-05; chemo- + synthesis
Related forms
chemosynthetic
[kee-moh-sin-thet-ik, kem-oh-] /ˌki moʊ sɪnˈθɛt ɪk, ˌkɛm oʊ-/ (Show IPA), adjective
chemosynthetically, adverb
Examples from the web for chemosynthesis
  • Autotrophic bacteria that produce food through chemosynthesis have also been found at places on the seafloor called cold seeps.
  • In these dark depths, chemosynthesis-based on thermal and chemical energy from the vents-is the primary mechanism sustaining life.
  • In chemosynthesis, the energy comes from other chemical reactions.
  • The microbial mat on the seabed indicates that there is still heat rising and that chemosynthesis is occurring.
British Dictionary definitions for chemosynthesis

chemosynthesis

/ˌkɛməʊˈsɪnθɪsɪs/
noun
1.
the formation of organic material by certain bacteria using energy derived from simple chemical reactions
Derived Forms
chemosynthetic (ˌkɛməʊsɪnˈθɛtɪk) adjective
chemosynthetically, adverb
Word Origin and History for chemosynthesis
n.

1898, from chemo- + synthesis.

chemosynthesis in Science
chemosynthesis
  (kē'mō-sĭn'thĭ-sĭs)   
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. Compare photosynthesis.