Autotrophs like plants make their own food using energy from sunlight through photosynthesis.
- Photosynthesis basics: Plants use light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose (a carbohydrate) and oxygen. The overall simplified equation is: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. This process powers plant growth and forms the base of most food chains. [photosynthesis](javascript:void(0))
- What counts as an autotroph: Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from inorganic inputs, serving as primary producers in ecosystems. This category includes plants, algae, and certain bacteria.
- Where the energy goes: The glucose and other sugars produced are used immediately for energy or stored as starch, supporting growth, reproduction, and metabolism. Oxygen is released as a byproduct.
- Variants: Some organisms perform photosynthesis without producing oxygen (anoxygenic photosynthesis), using different pigments and starting materials. While common plants and algae primarily rely on oxygenic photosynthesis, there are diverse photosynthetic pathways in nature.
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a short study note or quiz format. [Plants](javascript:void(0))
