What is Biosynthesis

I. What is Biosynthesis?
Biosynthesis refers to the process in which organisms, through the catalytic action of enzymes, convert simple raw materials into complex and useful biomolecules step by step within their bodies. Fermentation, on the other hand, is an industrial method that artificially creates a suitable environment (such as temperature, pH value, and oxygen conditions) to enable microorganisms (like bacteria and yeasts) to reproduce in large quantities, and then utilize their internal biosynthetic systems to efficiently produce target products.

Its core characteristics can be broken down into the following easy-to-understand points:

- The "processing plant" is inside the organism: Whether it is microorganisms, plants or animals, they all use their own metabolic systems as the "production line".
- The "catalyst" is enzymes: Each step of the reaction requires specific enzymes to assist; without enzymes, the reaction is difficult to proceed.
- The "raw materials" are simple: Small-molecule precursors are used, such as basic substances like monosaccharides, amino acids and fatty acids.
- The "products" are complex: Ultimately, it can synthesize macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids, or compounds with special functions such as hormones and antibiotics.
- "Operation requires energy consumption": This process needs to consume energy, which must be provided by substances like ATP and NADPH, along with hydrogen supply, to "assemble" simple raw materials into complex products.
- Fermentation is the "scaling-up switch": For example, when we want to produce lycopene and shikimic acid, we use fermenters to provide sufficient nutrients and appropriate growth conditions for engineered bacteria, allowing their biosynthetic pathways to operate at full capacity and mass-produce the products we need.

To put it simply: Biosynthesis is the inherent ability of organisms to "synthesize molecules", while fermentation is a technology for humans to "borrow the capabilities of microorganisms" for large-scale production of useful products.

II. What is the Difference Between Biosynthesis and Synthetic Biology?

Synthetic biology is a broad and comprehensive discipline.

Biosynthesis is a tool, specifically a technology that uses biotechnology to synthesize target products.

Biosynthesis and synthetic biology are completely different concepts: the former refers to the molecular synthesis process occurring within living organisms, while the latter is a discipline dedicated to the engineering modification and design of biological systems. The two differ significantly in terms of their definitions, core focuses, methodologies and applications, while also maintaining close links in practical applications.
III. Advantages and Disadvantages of Biosynthesis

IV. Basic Principles and Applications of Biosynthesis Research

Enzyme catalysis can be divided into three specific phases in detail:
1. Utilize existing biological systems to discover a feasible new function
2. Modify the traits of bacteria that originally cannot produce a certain product to enable them to carry out production
3. Create new biological systems and living organisms

Common representative products: Shikimic acid, Lycopene, Vitamin K2, 5-HTP, β-Carotene, etc.