<P> An autotroph ( `` self - feeding '' , from the Greek autos `` self '' and trophe `` nourishing '' ) or producer , is an organism that produces complex organic compounds ( such as carbohydrates , fats , and proteins ) from simple substances present in its surroundings , generally using energy from light ( photosynthesis ) or inorganic chemical reactions ( chemosynthesis ) . They are the producers in a food chain , such as plants on land or algae in water ( in contrast to heterotrophs as consumers of autotrophs ) . They do not need a living source of energy or organic carbon . Autotrophs can reduce carbon dioxide to make organic compounds for biosynthesis and also create a store of chemical energy . Most autotrophs use water as the reducing agent , but some can use other hydrogen compounds such as hydrogen sulfide . Some autotrophs , like green plants and algae , are phototrophs , meaning that they convert electromagnetic energy from sunlight into chemical energy in the form of reduced carbon . </P>
<P> An autotroph ( `` self - feeding '' , from the Greek autos `` self '' and trophe `` nourishing '' ) or producer , is an organism that produces complex organic compounds ( such as carbohydrates , fats , and proteins ) from simple substances present in its surroundings , generally using energy from light ( photosynthesis ) or inorganic chemical reactions ( chemosynthesis ) . They are the producers in a food chain , such as plants on land or algae in water ( in contrast to heterotrophs as consumers of autotrophs ) . They do not need a living source of energy or organic carbon . Autotrophs can reduce carbon dioxide to make organic compounds for biosynthesis and also create a store of chemical energy . Most autotrophs use water as the reducing agent , but some can use other hydrogen compounds such as hydrogen sulfide . Some autotrophs , like green plants and algae , are phototrophs , meaning that they convert electromagnetic energy from sunlight into chemical energy in the form of reduced carbon . </P>
organisms that obtain energy by making their own organic molecules are called
organisms that obtain energy by making their own organic molecules are called
autotroph
autotroph