The production of complex molecules within living organisms through enzymatic processes. It involves the construction of cellular components like proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites from simpler precursors.
From Greek 'bios' (life) and 'synthesis' (putting together), coined in the early 20th century as biochemistry developed. The term reflects the understanding that living organisms are sophisticated chemical factories.
Biosynthesis is like having millions of microscopic assembly lines in every cell, each following precise molecular recipes passed down through billions of years of evolution. A single bacterial cell can synthesize thousands of different compounds with greater efficiency than our best chemical plants.
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