Answer to Question #22774 in Biochemistry for Cornelius Williams Jr

Question

Please state the differences between chemosynthesis and photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Chemosynthesis get energy from oxidation of inorganic substance, photosynthesis get energy from light. Chemosynthesis could occur just about anywhere there are enough suitable chemicals to oxidize, photosynthesis could only occur when there is sufficient light.

In addition, both processes involve water--but in distinct ways. In photosynthesis, water is needed to fuel the process; in chemosynthesis, water is an end result of the process.