Photoautotroph
Photoautotroph
Photoautotroph (pronunciation: /ˌfoʊtoʊˈɔːtoʊtrɒf/, from the Greek φῶς, phōs, "light", αὐτός, autós, "self", and τροφή, trophē, "nourishment") is an organism that uses light energy to produce food in the form of organic compounds from inorganic materials.
Overview
Photoautotrophs are a type of autotroph that convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose or other organic molecules. This process is known as photosynthesis. The energy stored in the organic molecules can then be used by the organism for growth and reproduction.
Types of Photoautotrophs
There are several types of photoautotrophs, including cyanobacteria, green algae, and plants. These organisms all use photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy, but they do so in slightly different ways and in different environments.
Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a type of bacteria that are capable of photosynthesis. They are one of the oldest known forms of life on Earth and have played a significant role in shaping the planet's oxygen-rich atmosphere.
Green Algae
Green algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that live in freshwater and marine environments. They are considered to be the ancestors of land plants.
Plants
Plants are the most well-known type of photoautotroph. They use photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy, which they store in the form of glucose.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Photoautotroph
- Wikipedia's article - Photoautotroph
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