biosynthesis

[ bahy-oh-sin-thuh-sis ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. the formation of chemical compounds by a living organism.
2. the laboratory preparation of biological molecules by the use of reagents or catalysts derived from natural substances and modeled on a series of reactions occurring in a living organism.

biosynthesis

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈsɪnθɪsɪs; ˌbaɪəʊsɪnˈθɛtɪk /

noun

1. the formation of complex compounds from simple substances by living organisms

Derived Forms

• biosynthetic, adjective
• ˌbiosynˈthetically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of biosynthesis¹

First recorded in 1925–30; bio- + synthesis

Example Sentences

All initiated the same responses in the pathogen cell, suggesting that cell suicide is a general consequence of ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors.

From Science Daily

"This means that the biosynthesis of the cofactor requires a complex sequence of different synthesis steps in order to provide all the necessary components."

From Science Daily

And yeast biosynthesis allows him to experiment with pruning the QS-21 molecule to see which portions can be eliminated without altering the molecule's effectiveness.

From Science Daily

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of oil biosynthesis and found a way to genetically engineer a type of test plant to more efficiently produce different kinds of seed oil that it otherwise wouldn't make.

From Science Daily

The researchers observed suppression of the biosynthesis of proteins of the ND5 subunit in a suitable cell model as well as in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

From Science Daily