Editing Semisynthesis (section)

== Biological vs engineered pathways ==
Due to these differences, certain [[functional groups]] are easier to synthesize using engineered chemical methods, such as [[acetylation]]. However, biological pathways are often able to generate complex groups and structures with minimal economic input, making certain biosynthetic processes far more efficient than total synthesis for producing complex molecules. This efficiency drives the preference for natural sources in the preparation of certain compounds, especially when synthesizing them from simpler molecules would be cost-prohibitive.