Is chemosynthesis the same as photosynthesis?

No. Photosynthesis uses sunlight, while chemosynthesis uses chemical energy.

Is chemosynthesis a common word?

It is common in science and academic writing, but not in everyday speech.

Where does chemosynthesis happen?

It happens in places with little or no sunlight, such as deep-sea vents.

Can animals do chemosynthesis?

Some animals host bacteria that do it, but the animals themselves do not make food this way.

← Dictionary

chemosynthesis

/ˌkiː.məʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/

IELTSAcademic

noun

The process by which some organisms make food using energy from chemical reactions, not sunlight. It is common in some bacteria and animals near deep-sea vents.

Some bacteria get energy through chemosynthesis.
Deep-sea life can depend on chemosynthesis.
Chemosynthesis does not need sunlight.

Adinary Nuance

Chemosynthesis is different from photosynthesis because it uses chemical energy, not light energy. It is also more specific than terms like food-making or energy production, which are much broader. Scientists use chemosynthesis when they want to name this exact biological process.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hóa tổng hợp
Spanish: quimiosíntesis
Chinese: 化能合成
Japanese: 化学合成
Korean: 화학합성

Etymology

The word comes from Greek: chemo- meaning “chemical” and synthesis meaning “putting together.” It entered scientific English in the early 20th century.

Common phrases

chemosynthetic bacteriachemosynthesis-based ecosystemsperform chemosynthesis

Synonyms

chemical synthesis

Frequently asked questions

Is chemosynthesis the same as photosynthesis?: No. Photosynthesis uses sunlight, while chemosynthesis uses chemical energy.
Is chemosynthesis a common word?: It is common in science and academic writing, but not in everyday speech.
Where does chemosynthesis happen?: It happens in places with little or no sunlight, such as deep-sea vents.
Can animals do chemosynthesis?: Some animals host bacteria that do it, but the animals themselves do not make food this way.