Which process produces carbohydrates by using chemical energy rather than light?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Chemosynthesis
• C. Detritivore
• D. Omnivore

Answer: (B)

Chemosynthesis is the process that produces carbohydrates by using chemical energy rather than light. In chemosynthesis, certain bacteria or archaea harvest energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia. That energy then powers the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into organic molecules like carbohydrates, allowing life to thrive in dark environments such as deep-sea vents. This contrasts with photosynthesis, which uses light energy to make sugars. The other options describe organisms that obtain energy by consuming organic matter rather than synthesizing sugars themselves, so they don’t produce carbohydrates from chemical energy.