What are photoautotrophs?

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Photoautotrophs**: Photoautotrophs are organisms that utilize light energy to synthesize their own food through the process of photosynthesis.

2. **Source of Energy**: The primary source of light energy for photoautotrophs is sunlight. This energy is harnessed to convert inorganic substances into organic matter.

3. **Raw Materials Used**: The main raw materials used by photoautotrophs in the process of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).

4. **Process of Photosynthesis**: During photosynthesis, light energy is captured and used to convert CO2 and H2O into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen (O2). The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as:
\[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]

5. **Types of Organisms**: Most photoautotrophs are eukaryotic organisms, such as plants, which contain chloroplasts that facilitate photosynthesis. However, some prokaryotic organisms, such as certain bacteria, can also perform photosynthesis using pigments like chlorophyll or bacteriochlorophyll.

6. **Importance of Photoautotrophs**: Photoautotrophs are crucial for ecosystems as they are the primary producers, forming the base of the food chain by converting solar energy into chemical energy stored in organic compounds.