(ke″mo-tro´fik) deriving energy from the oxidation of organic (chemo-organotrophic) or inorganic (chemolithotrophic) compounds; said of bacteria.
(Gk: chemia=art of transmuting metals (alchemy); trephos to feed) obtaining energy by chemical reactions, independent of light. Some bacteria are chemotrophic. See also autotrophic and heterotrophic.
chemotrophic Relating to or exhibiting chemotropism; tending to move toward or away from a chemical stimulus.