Photoautotrophs, also known as producers, carry out photosynthesis to convert inorganic materials into organic materials. Specifically, they use energy from sunlight to transform carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into glucose (a carbohydrate) and oxygen. This glucose serves as an organic material used in cellular functions such as biosynthesis and respiration, and it provides nutrition for many other forms of life in the ecosystem
. In summary, photoautotrophs produce:
- Glucose (organic compounds) , which can be used as energy and building material.
- Oxygen , released as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
These products form the base of most food chains, supporting heterotrophic organisms that depend on organic matter for nourishment
