Bioprospecting - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Bioprospecting is the exploration of natural sources, such as plants or microorganisms, to discover valuable biological compounds for use in medicine, agriculture, or industry. It aims to harness nature’s resources sustainably.
Definition:
The exploration of biodiversity for commercially valuable genetic or biochemical resources.
Synonyms:
biodiscovery, biopiracy, natural resource exploration
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
bioconversion, bioremediation
Common Collocations:
marine bioprospecting, pharmaceutical bioprospecting, sustainable bioprospecting
Derivatives:
bioprospect, bioprospector
Usage Tips:
Use "bioprospecting" when discussing the search for useful compounds in nature, often in scientific or commercial contexts.
Common Phrases:
ethical bioprospecting, industrial bioprospecting, genetic bioprospecting
Etymology:
Derived from "bio-" (life) and "prospecting" (searching for resources), coined in the late 20th century.
Examples:
- 1. Scientists use bioprospecting to discover new medicines in rainforests.
- 2. Bioprospecting has led to breakthroughs in antibiotic development.
- 3. Some companies engage in bioprospecting to find natural cosmetic ingredients.
- 4. Indigenous knowledge often aids ethical bioprospecting efforts.