chemosynthetic bacteria

plural noun

1. bacteria that synthesize organic compounds, using energy derived from the oxidation of organic or inorganic materials without the aid of light.

chemosynthetic bacteria

/ kē′mō-sĭn-thĕt′ĭk /

1. Bacteria that make food by chemosynthesis. Nitrifying bacteria are a type of chemosynthetic bacteria, as are the bacteria that live around vents in the bottom of the ocean.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemosynthetic bacteria¹

First recorded in 1955–60; chemo- + synthetic

Example Sentences

The deep sea's cryptic menagerie features everything from charismatic megafauna such as sixgill sharks to sprawling mats of chemosynthetic bacteria.

From Scientific American

The super heated water streaming from this vent contains minerals that sustain chemosynthetic bacteria, which in turn support communities of corals, snails, and shrimp.

From Time

In the vicinity of these vents, where temperatures hover at a cozy 30 degrees Celsius, thick mats of chemosynthetic bacteria convert vent chemicals into energy, and in turn support colonies of giant tube worms, huge beds of mussels and a variety of crustaceans.

From Scientific American