Question

Explain in detail the basic difference between (a)photosynthesis versus (b) aerobic chemosynthesis, and versus (c) anaerobic chemosynthesis. In your answer, provide a brief example of the circumstances under which each of these mechanism would generally occur.

Answer 1

Answer. Photosynthesis is a process in which plants use light energy to combine carbon dioxide with water. The reaction produces sugar (glucose), which is utilized by the plants for their survival. They have pigment for trapping solar energy. Common examples are plants, algae.

CO₂+ H₂O --> C₆H₁₂O₆ + H₂O+O₂

Aerobic Chemosynthesis is a process in which organism take energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds, such as H₂S. The energy taken is used to react carbon dioxide with water, to make sugar. Examples are hydrothermal vent bacteria oxidised H₂S, CO₂ and O₂. reaction is CO₂ + 4H₂S + O₂ -> C₆H₁₂O₆ + H₂O + 4S .

Anaerobic Chemosynthesis is a process by which organism make their food by using inorganic compounds fpr making energy. Such as CO₂ and H₂ is used to make CH₄ examples are Methanogen which uses only CO₂ and H₂ reaction is CO₂ + 4 H₂ ? CH₄ + 2H₂O