noun
- a hypothetical self-replicating organic molecule or unit of living matter believed to be a precursor to life; a theoretical building block of life.
Usage: technical; biology; historical/theoretical
Examples
- Scientists theorize that biogens may have formed in Earth's primordial oceans.
- The concept of biogen was important in early theories about the origin of life.
- Researchers study how simple biogens could have evolved into the first cells.