What is the process called by which autotrophs make their own food?

What is the process called by which autotrophs make their own food?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Respiration
• C. Decomposition
• D. Fermentation

Answer: (A)

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food, primarily through a process called photosynthesis. This process occurs mainly in plants, algae, and some bacteria, and it involves converting light energy, typically from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. During photosynthesis, these organisms capture sunlight using chlorophyll and transform carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. This ability to generate their own energy source distinguishes autotrophs from heterotrophs, which rely on consuming other organisms for nourishment. The significance of photosynthesis extends beyond food production; it is also essential for oxygen generation and serves as the foundation of the food chain, supporting life on Earth. The other options, while important biological processes, do not align with how autotrophs produce food. Respiration refers to the process of breaking down glucose to release energy, decomposition involves the breakdown of organic matter, and fermentation is a metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen to produce energy. These roles are distinct from the primary function of photosynthesis, which is the synthesis of food in autotrophs.

Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food, primarily through a process called photosynthesis. This process occurs mainly in plants, algae, and some bacteria, and it involves converting light energy, typically from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. During photosynthesis, these organisms capture sunlight using chlorophyll and transform carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. This ability to generate their own energy source distinguishes autotrophs from heterotrophs, which rely on consuming other organisms for nourishment. The significance of photosynthesis extends beyond food production; it is also essential for oxygen generation and serves as the foundation of the food chain, supporting life on Earth.

The other options, while important biological processes, do not align with how autotrophs produce food. Respiration refers to the process of breaking down glucose to release energy, decomposition involves the breakdown of organic matter, and fermentation is a metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen to produce energy. These roles are distinct from the primary function of photosynthesis, which is the synthesis of food in autotrophs.