biosynthesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “biosynthesis” mean?
The production of complex molecules within living organisms or cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The production of complex molecules within living organisms or cells.
The process by which living cells produce chemical compounds, especially organic compounds, through enzymatic reactions, often from simpler precursors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard UK/US patterns.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse; used almost exclusively in scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “biosynthesis” in a Sentence
the biosynthesis of [compound]biosynthesis in [organism/cell]biosynthesis by [enzyme/pathway]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biosynthesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The yeast biosynthesises ethanol during fermentation.
- Researchers aim to biosynthesise the compound in modified bacteria.
American English
- The yeast biosynthesizes ethanol during fermentation.
- Researchers aim to biosynthesize the compound in modified bacteria.
adverb
British English
- The compound is produced biosynthetically.
- The process occurs biosynthetically within the chloroplast.
American English
- The compound is produced biosynthetically.
- The process occurs biosynthetically within the chloroplast.
adjective
British English
- The biosynthetic pathway was mapped.
- They identified a key biosynthetic enzyme.
American English
- The biosynthetic pathway was mapped.
- They identified a key biosynthetic enzyme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used except in biotech/pharma company reports.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and plant science papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in popular science articles.
Technical
Core term in life sciences; precise and frequently used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biosynthesis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biosynthesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biosynthesis”
- Using 'biosynthesis' to refer to industrial chemical production.
- Pronouncing it as 'bio-syn-thesis' with equal stress on all syllables.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Biosynthesis' is a specific type of production that occurs within living organisms using enzymes. General 'production' can happen in factories or labs.
It would sound very technical and out of place. In everyday contexts, use simpler terms like 'how the body makes...' or 'natural production'.
'Biosynthesis' refers to the making of chemical compounds. 'Biogenesis' is a broader principle that living things come from other living things, or the origin of life itself.
Yes, but almost exclusively in scientific writing (e.g., 'The cell biosynthesises lipids'). It is very rare in general English.
The production of complex molecules within living organisms or cells.
Biosynthesis is usually academic/scientific in register.
Biosynthesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪəʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪoʊˈsɪnθəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none - technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BIO (life) + SYNTHESIS (making) = making by living things.
Conceptual Metaphor
A cellular factory assembly line.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'biosynthesis' MOST commonly used?