Energy and Carbon Source of Bacteria and Archaea
Between heaven and earth, all living things have their own needs to exist in the world. Today's discussion of the energy and carbon sources of bacteria and archaea also has its own unique way.

Bacteria and archaea, the sources of energy, vary from way to way. First, there are those who use light as energy, such as photosynthetic bacteria, who borrow the power of light to perform photosynthesis and turn light energy into chemical energy to nourish themselves. Just like all kinds of plants and trees in the world, they are born by bathing light and depend on light to survive. Second, there are those who use chemical substances as energy, such as chemoautotrophic bacteria. Such bacteria can use the oxidation reaction of inorganic substances to obtain energy. For example, sulfide, ammonia, etc. are used as substrates for chemical reactions to release energy for their life activities.

As for carbon sources, there are also differences. Autotrophic bacteria and archaea can use carbon dioxide as their only carbon source and convert carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds through their own biochemical mechanisms, which is a way of self-reliance. Heterotrophic bacteria and archaea, on the other hand, need to ingest external organic compounds as carbon sources, such as sugars, proteins, etc., just like humans need grains and vegetables to fill their stomachs.

Looking at the energy and carbon source utilization of bacteria and archaea, although they are small, they contain wonderful principles. They all play an important role in the ecological cycle and the transformation of materials. Observing this microscopic world, we can see the wonders of nature, the spirits of all things, each following its own path, symbiosis and prosperity.