How Chemosynthesis Works - Explained

in Plain English
‍

Chemosynthesis is a process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into
organic compounds. It’s important because it helps plants grow, protect their leaves
from wind, and spread their seeds. In fact, chemosynthesis is so important that without
it, plants wouldn't be able to grow! Just how does chemosynthesis work? Let's have a
look at what it is, what the different types are, and how it affects your favourite plants.

What is chemosynthesis?
Chemosynthesis is a biological process by which plants and other plants-like organisms
convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds. This happens when a plant's
primary source of energy is...

How Does Chemosynthesis Work?

The general process of chemosynthesis is as follows: -The plant produces a certain
type of enzyme called “plastidic” enzyme. -This enzyme converts carbon dioxide (CO2)
into organic compounds called “plants” and water. -When the plant is asleep, it uses up
this “chemical energy” (that’s what makes plants grow and spread their seeds) by
converting carbon from the air into forms that don’t have a lot of energy in them. -When
the plant needs energy, it “reenergizes” by using the “chemical energy” it stored as
“fossil fuels”, or “organic compounds”. -This “reenergizing” process takes place in the
“reproductive organs”, where egg or sperm cells make copies of themselves, and a new
“generation” of plants is born.

Types of Chemosynthetic Organism

There are many different types of chemosynthetic organisms, which are organisms that
use chemosynthesis to grow and survive. Here are some of the most common: -
Autotrophs - These organisms use chemosynthesis to grow and survive by producing
their own food. - Chrysomelids - These are colonial animals that use chemosynthesis to
survive by producing their shells. - Gymnosperms - These are non-ical plants that use
chemosynthesis to grow and survive by using the carbon dioxide and water from the air
as their main energy sources. - Mosses - These are non-ical plants that use
chemosynthesis to grow and survive by using the carbon dioxide and water from the air
as their main energy sources. - Pest control – Some plants (notably cannabis) are used
as “herbicides”, which is to say, they’re used to control other plants. - Flowering plants
(perennial plants) - These plants use chemosynthesis to grow and spread their seeds. -
Plant diseases caused by bacteria and fungi - These are infections caused by “bad”
bacteria and “bad” fungi, which are dependent on CO2 to grow and spread. - Other
microbial contamination of the environment - Other microbial contamination of the
environment includes pesticide and fertiliser residues and organic chemical pollutants. -
Conclusion: Organisms that use chemosynthesis are generally more successful in the
environment than those that don’t.

How Plants Use Chemosynthesis

First, let’s examine the use of chemosynthesis by plants. - Plant Responds to
Environmental Changes by Shifting Its Diet Environmental changes can either be
positive (e.g. drought tolerant) or negative (e.g. noxious weed species populating
forests). If a plant’s ability to use chemosynthesis were to disappear, it would be
negatively impacted by both drought and noxious species, since it makes use of these
two basic natural processes to survive. Instead, many plants (often referred to as
“greenhouse plants”) grow in soil-free houses, where CO2 is supplied from the air. In
these cases, the plants remain well-fed on fertilisers and pesticides, and their ability to
use chemosynthesis remains intact. - Plant Uses Up Its Soil “Chemical Energy” In order
to grow and spread its seeds, a plant uses “chemical energy”. This energy comes from
three main sources: - Photosynthesis - This is where the plant’s “chemical energy”
comes from by converting carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds. -
Mineralization - This is where the “chemical energy” goes after it’s been processed by
the plant’s “plastidic” enzyme. - Transpiration - This is the “leaky” process by which the
plant’s water supply is taken away and sent to the soil. - Soilagnarivation - Also called
“soil digestion”, this is the “final” stage of the plant’s growth, after which it’s completely “
Gone!” - The Benefits of Chemosynthesis Beyond keeping plants alive and well, and
even helping with cross-breeding, there are a number of benefits of using
chemosynthesis: An important and useful process - The plant uses chemosynthesis to
make its own food, protect itself from the weather, and spread its seeds. A sustainable
and healthy way to grow - Plants that grow with little or no need for fertilisers and
pesticides are healthier and grow faster. No need to clear land to grow - Just like
weeds, fertilisers and pesticides are sent to the “wrong” location. No need to use
fertilisers and chemicals in other parts of the environment - These are removed during
the “cleaning” process of chemical fertilisation. - The Consequences of Inefficient
Chemosynthesis Inefficient chemosynthesis means less food, less production of
oxygen, and less protection from the elements for the plants and animals that depend
on them. Without adequate nutrients and oxygen, plants cannot survive. - Plants are
Self- flowering - Without adequate nutrition, plants cannot survive. - Without adequate
nutrition, plants cannot survive. - The environment is left with no choice but to destroy
itself - The last plant on the left is a cannabis plant. - Conclusion: Organisms that use
chemosynthesis are generally more successful in the environment than those that don’t.
And the better the environment the better the chances for the plants to survive and
succeed.