Photoautotrophs

Definition

Photoautotrophs are organisms that can synthesize their own food using light energy, carbon dioxide, and water. They play a crucial role in converting solar energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Photoautotrophs include plants, algae, and certain bacteria such as cyanobacteria.
2. They produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, which is essential for most life forms on Earth.
3. Photoautotrophs form the base of most ecosystems' food chains, providing energy for heterotrophic organisms.
4. Chlorophyll is the primary pigment in photoautotrophs that captures light energy.
5. They contribute to the global carbon cycle by fixing carbon dioxide into organic compounds.

Review Questions

• What are the main types of organisms classified as photoautotrophs?
• Why are photoautotrophs crucial for oxygen production and the survival of aerobic organisms?
• How do photoautotrophs contribute to the energy flow within an ecosystem?

Related terms

Photosynthesis: The process by which photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Chlorophyll: The green pigment found in photoautotrophs that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

Carbon Cycle: The biogeochemical cycle involving the exchange of carbon between living organisms and the environment.