Definition

A process by which certain organisms obtain energy through chemical reactions instead of using sunlight.

Example

Some bacteria survive in extreme environments by using chemoautotrophy to produce energy.

Conversation

I was reading about how some bacteria can survive without sunlight.

Oh really? What do they use for energy then?

They rely on something called chemoautotrophy to get their energy.

That's fascinating! Nature is full of surprises.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chemoautotrophy is formed from "chemo-" (from Greek "chemos", meaning chemical) and "autotrophy" (from Greek "autos", meaning self, and "trophe", meaning nourishment). The term describes a process where organisms obtain energy through chemical means and produce their own food, thus nourishing themselves independently.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chemical' ('chemo-') processes that allow organisms to 'nourish themselves' ('autotrophy') — that's what chemoautotrophy means.

Visually Confused Words