ScienceJuly 8, 2026

biosynthesis

/ˌbaɪ.oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/

Definition

The natural process by which living cells or organisms produce complex chemical compounds from simpler substances.

Etymology

The word combines the Greek 'bios' (life) and 'synthesis' (putting together). It entered scientific terminology in the 19th century to describe the chemical reactions occurring within living biological systems.

In the news

In the article, the term describes the cellular production of proline in skin fibroblasts, which is shown to be suppressed under simulated microgravity conditions. Understanding this impairment is vital to explaining how spaceflight negatively affects skin structural integrity.

NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,206 2 July 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)

Read the full article ↗

Astrobiology Web

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