What process allows certain bacteria to derive energy from inorganic substances?

Chemosynthesis is the process through which certain bacteria, particularly those living in extreme environments like deep-sea hydrothermal vents, obtain energy by converting inorganic substances into organic matter. This process does not rely on sunlight or organic compounds, which distinguishes it from photosynthesis. Instead, these bacteria typically utilize inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia, reacting them in the presence of oxygen or through other chemical pathways to produce energy.

The energy harvested through chemosynthesis enables these microorganisms to thrive in environments where sunlight cannot penetrate, supporting entire ecosystems that rely on them as primary producers. This adaptation is crucial for life in extreme conditions, showcasing the diversity of metabolic processes that organisms can employ to survive and proliferate in various habitats.