On the Carbon Source and Energy Source of Chemo-autotrophs
Chemo-autotrophs obtain energy by oxidation of inorganic substances, and use carbon dioxide as the main carbon source, which promotes unique metabolic pathways and plays an important role in the ecosystem.

The energy source of chemo-autotrophs comes from the oxidation of inorganic compounds. Such as nitrifying bacteria, which oxidize with ammonia or nitrous acid. In this process, electrons are transferred through the respiratory chain to generate ATP, which provides energy for their life activities. Sulfur-rich bacteria oxidize sulfur-containing compounds such as hydrogen sulfide to obtain energy to maintain survival and reproduction. Such oxidation reactions are precise and efficient, enabling chemo-autotrophs to maintain metabolism with limited resources in a specific environment.

As for carbon sources, carbon dioxide is their main carbon source. Chemo-autotrophs use mechanisms such as the Calvin cycle to fix carbon dioxide and convert it into organic carbon compounds. This process consumes energy produced by the oxidation of inorganic substances, and through a series of enzymatic reactions, biopolymers such as sugars and amino acids are synthesized to build their own cell structure and material basis.

Chemo-autotrophs play a special role in ecosystems due to their unique utilization of energy and carbon sources. In extreme environments such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents and sulfur-containing hot springs, chemo-autotrophs are primary producers, building the energy and material base of the ecosystem and supporting the survival of diverse organisms. In soil, the activities of nitrifying bacteria affect the nitrogen cycle, regulate soil fertility, and contribute greatly to ecological balance. The carbon source and energy utilization mechanism of chemoautotrophs are important areas of biological research. Their unique metabolic patterns not only reveal the diverse strategies for life to adapt to the environment, but also provide ideas and references for biotechnology, environmental restoration and other fields.