Electrolithoautotroph

An electrolithoautotroph is an organism which feeds on electricity. These organisms use electricity to convert carbon dioxide to organic matters by using electrons directly taken from solid-inorganic electron donors.[1] Electrolithoautotrophs are microorganisms which are found in the deep crevices of the ocean. The warm, mineral-rich environment provides a rich source of nutrients. The electron source for carbon assimilation from diffusible Fe2+ ions to an electrode under the condition that electrical current is the only source of energy and electrons.[1] Electrolithoautotrophs form a third metabolic pathway compared to photosynthesis (plants converting light into sugar) and chemosynthesis (animals consuming food).[2]

References
  1. Takumi, Ishii; Satoshi, Kawaichi; Hirotaka, Nakagawa; Kazuhito, Hashimoto; Ryuhei, Nakamura (2015). "From chemolithoautotrophs to electrolithoautotrophs: CO2 fixation by Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria coupled with direct uptake of electrons from solid electron sources". Front. Microbiol. 6: 994. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2015.00994. PMC 4593280. PMID 26500609.
  2. "A bacteria's double life: living off both iron and electricity". Riken News. December 16, 2015.
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