Lecture 1 - Primary Producers Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
The conversion of inorganic compounds into organic food/fuel using solar energy
How much energy is passed up to the next level?
10%
What is chemosynthesis?
Conversion of inorganic compounds into organic food/fuel source using chemical energy
What are chemolithotrophs?
They us reduces sulphur compounds as their electron donors and fix carbon dioxide autotrophically to make organic compounds
When and where was the first endosymbiotic chemolithotroph relationship found?
30 years ago at hydrothermal vents in the Galapogas rift
What was the first organism discovered to have a chemolithotroph commensal?
Riftia pachyptila
What is Riftia pachyptila?
A gutless prognophore tube worm in a symbiotic relationship with chemolithic bacteria
Where can chemosynthetic bacteria be found?
In hot springs on land, sea floor, coal sweeps, whale carcasses and sunken ships
Where do the microbes live in Riftia pachyptila?
Trophosome
Give examples of organisms other than Riftia pachyptila which have an endosymbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria
Gastropods with bacteria in gills
Lucinoid bivalves with bacteria in gills
Solonegid bivalves with bacteria in gils
