biosynthesis

noun bio·syn·the·sis \ -ˈsin(t)-thə-səs \

Updated on: 22 Feb 2018

Definition of biosynthesis

: the production of a chemical compound by a living organism

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biosynthetic

play \-sin-ˈthe-tik\ adjective

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biosynthetically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See biosynthesis defined for kids

Recent Examples of biosynthesis from the Web

Equally as important is their contribution to the biosynthesis of the chemicals that make up ﬂavor and aroma.

— elin mccoy, Bloomberg.com, "Winemakers Turn to MIT to Save Pinot Noir in Warming Temperatures," 23 Jan. 2018
As Mike McRae points out for Science Alert, a 1968 paper investigating psilocybin’s biosynthesis theorized that the process began with a molecule of tryptophan, an essential amino acid.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Scientists Unlock Magic Mushrooms’ Mysterious Chemical Compound," 18 Aug. 2017
As Mike McRae points out for Science Alert, a 1968 paper investigating psilocybin’s biosynthesis theorized that the process began with a molecule of tryptophan, an essential amino acid.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Scientists Unlock Magic Mushrooms’ Mysterious Chemical Compound," 19 Aug. 2017
The genome sequence includes genes associated with biosynthesis.

— chungui lu, CNN, "Climate change threatens tea -- but its DNA could save it," 11 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'biosynthesis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.