What process allows bacteria near hydrothermal vents to produce glucose?

The correct answer is based on the process known as chemosynthesis. This process occurs primarily in environments where sunlight is not available, such as the deep ocean near hydrothermal vents. Organisms that rely on chemosynthesis, such as certain bacteria, can convert inorganic substances, like hydrogen sulfide released from the vents, into organic compounds, including glucose.

In chemosynthesis, these bacteria utilize the energy released from the oxidation of inorganic molecules to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water. This energy-driven conversion is essential for sustaining life in these extreme environments, as it provides a primary source of energy and organic material for other organisms in the deep-sea food web.

While photosynthesis involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose, it's not applicable to hydrothermal vents where sunlight does not penetrate. Fermentation is another type of energy-producing process that does not involve inorganic sources and occurs anaerobically, while respiration requires oxygen and is also not the primary process used by bacteria near hydrothermal vents for glucose production. Thus, chemosynthesis stands out as the correct answer in this context.