lithoautotrophy

Lithoautotrophy is a process some microorganisms use to produce energy by oxidizing inorganic minerals, like iron or sulfur, rather than organic compounds like sugars. They obtain carbon directly from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or water, building their own organic molecules. Essentially, these microbes "eat" inorganic substances to survive and grow, using chemical reactions to generate the energy needed for their activities. This process is common in environments where organic nutrients are scarce, such as deep-sea vents or rocky surfaces, playing a vital role in Earth's natural nutrient cycles.