A biochemical synthesis apparatus comprises a receptacle for containing a medium, and a support on which a microorganism can be placed. The support can be placed in contact with the medium, so as to allow access of the microorganism to the medium. The support with the microorganism can be removed from the medium, allowing the medium to be replaced. By this, the receptacle can firstly contain a growth medium, and secondly a secondary medium capable of causing the production by the microorganism of a potentially useful biochemical.