Autotrophs (Gr. Autos - Himself, Trophos - Nourishing)

Autotrophs (from the Greek "autos" - self, "trophos" - nourisher) are organisms capable of synthesizing the organic substances they need for life from inorganic compounds. Such organisms obtain the energy necessary for the synthesis of organic substances from sunlight (phototrophs) or from chemical compounds (chemotrophs).

One of the most famous autotrophs are plants. They use the process of photosynthesis to obtain energy from sunlight and convert carbon dioxide and water into organic substances such as glucose and starch. Most plants are also able to assimilate mineral elements from the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and use them to synthesize proteins and other organic compounds necessary for life.

In addition, there are other autotrophs such as bacteria and algae. Chemosynthetic bacteria obtain energy by using chemical compounds such as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia as an energy source, and then use this energy to synthesize organic substances. Algae can also be phototrophs or chemotrophs, depending on the species and their living conditions.

Autotrophs play an important role in ecosystems because they form the basis of the food chain for other organisms. Without autotrophs, it would not be possible for higher organisms, such as animals, to exist, which obtain the energy and nutrients they consume from autotrophs or from organisms that feed on autotrophs.

In general, autotrophs are essential to the maintenance of life on Earth and serve as the basis of the food chain in many ecosystems. They are capable of synthesizing organic substances necessary for life from inorganic compounds, and provide a source of nutrition for other organisms in the ecosystem.