Chemosynthesis and its significance in the life of the planet
In nature, organic matter is created not only by green plants, but also bacteria that do not contain chlorophyll. This autotrophic process is called chemosynthesis. Chemosynthesis was discovered in 1889-1890. the famous Russian microbiologist S.N. Vinogradsky. Chemosynthesis is carried out thanks to the energy released during chemical oxidation reactions of various inorganic compounds: hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, iron oxide (II) and others. The energy generated in the oxidation reactions is stored in bacterial cells in the form of ATP.
Colorless sulfur bacteria live in reservoirs whose water contains hydrogen sulfide. A huge amount of sulfur bacteria is in the Black Sea, in which deeper than 200 m the water is saturated with hydrogen sulfide. The energy necessary for the synthesis of organic compounds, these bacteria receive by oxidizing hydrogen sulfide:
The hydrogen sulfide oxidation reaction refers to redox reactions. The path of electron motion from S to O is shown by arrows.
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