Which organism obtains nutrients from chemosynthetic bacteria in its environment?

Which organism obtains nutrients from chemosynthetic bacteria in its environment?

• A. Giant tube worms
• B. Jellyfish
• C. Octopus
• D. Arthropods

Answer: (A)

Chemosynthetic symbiosis is the process by which some organisms rely on bacteria that convert inorganic molecules into organic matter. Giant tube worms near deep-sea hydrothermal vents host chemosynthetic bacteria inside a specialized organ called the trophosome. These bacteria oxidize hydrogen sulfide from vent fluids (with oxygen) to synthesize organic nutrients, which the worm then uses as its food. The worm provides the bacteria with a steady supply of chemicals through its blood and plume, forming a mutual feeding relationship. Because of this partnership, the giant tube worm derives most of its nutrients from the chemosynthetic bacteria, rather than from prey or photosynthetic sources. The other organisms listed obtain nutrients through feeding on other organisms or through photosynthesis, not from chemosynthetic bacteria in their environment.

Chemosynthetic symbiosis is the process by which some organisms rely on bacteria that convert inorganic molecules into organic matter. Giant tube worms near deep-sea hydrothermal vents host chemosynthetic bacteria inside a specialized organ called the trophosome. These bacteria oxidize hydrogen sulfide from vent fluids (with oxygen) to synthesize organic nutrients, which the worm then uses as its food. The worm provides the bacteria with a steady supply of chemicals through its blood and plume, forming a mutual feeding relationship. Because of this partnership, the giant tube worm derives most of its nutrients from the chemosynthetic bacteria, rather than from prey or photosynthetic sources. The other organisms listed obtain nutrients through feeding on other organisms or through photosynthesis, not from chemosynthetic bacteria in their environment.