What is "biosynthesis"

biosynthesis \biosynthesis\ n.

1. production of a chemical compound by a living organism.

   Syn: biogenesis.

2. the production of chemical substances by use of reagents or enzymes derived from living organisms, in reactions modeled on those observed in living organisms.

n. (context biochemistry English) The synthesis of organic compounds within a living organism, especially the synthesis of large compounds from small ones.

n. production of a chemical compound by a living organism [syn: biogenesis]

Biosynthesis (also called biogenesis or anabolism) is a multi-step, enzyme- catalyzed process where substrates are converted into more complex products in living organisms. In biosynthesis, simple compounds are modified, converted into other compounds, or joined together to form macromolecules. This process often consists of metabolic pathways. Some of these biosynthetic pathways are located within a single cellular organelle, while others involve enzymes that are located within multiple cellular organelles. Examples of these biosynthetic pathways include the production of lipid membrane components and nucleotides.

The prerequisite elements for biosynthesis include: precursor compounds, chemical energy (e.g. ATP), and catalytic enzymes which may require coenzymes (e.g. NADH, NADPH). These elements create monomers, the building blocks for macromolecules. Some important biological macromolecules include: proteins, which are composed of amino acid monomers joined via peptide bonds, and DNA molecules, which are composed of nucleotides joined via phosphodiester bonds.