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Glite Dictionary
to biosynthesize

to biosynthesize

8.1
To make complex chemicals from simple parts inside a living thing
  • verb
  • /ˌbaɪoʊˈsɪnθəˌzaɪz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : biosintetizar
  • Fatty acids are biosynthesized from simpler sugars by the liver.

Examples

  • OK, So fatty acids are biosynthesized in the cytosol.

  • However, Maas says that ellagic acid, as it is biosynthesized in plants, occurs in combination with glucose as ellagitannins.

    Academic text (1997)

  • OK, so they're small molecules being biosynthesized by microbes.

  • Plants biosynthesize essential oils to attract pollinators.

  • Microbes can biosynthesize enzymes that break down complex compounds.

Synonyms

to metabolize
vsto biosynthesize
  • Specialized
19 6.5

Change food and chemicals inside a living thing so it can use them or get rid of them

focuses specifically on making complex compounds from simpler substances
to manufacture
vsto biosynthesize
  • Specialized
17 5.8

To produce a substance naturally inside a living body

creates complex compounds from simpler parts inside living organisms

Surface Forms

biosynthesize infinitive
biosynthesized past
biosynthesized past participle
biosynthesizing present participle
biosynthesizes third person singular

Morphology

biosynthesize = synthesize (transparent) = bio + synthesize

The word transparently combines the prefix 'bio-' meaning life with 'synthesize' meaning to make or produce by combining elements.

Etymology

Biosynthesize combines bio- ('life') and synthesize ('to put together'), the same synthesize you see in photosynthesis. So biosynthesize means a living thing 'puts parts together' to make more complex chemicals inside itself.