重要的生物巨分子，如RNA、DNA、多糖和蛋白质，是通过小分子的聚合在细胞内合成的，以支持和增殖生命。研究生物体内聚合反应是一个新兴领域，其中高多样性和高效性的化学作用以及灵活和巧妙的生理环境得到了生动的展示。已经做出努力设计和开发原位内/外细胞聚合反应。许多重要的研究领域，包括细胞表面工程、生物相容性聚合、细胞行为调节、活细胞成像、靶向抑菌和精确肿瘤治疗，都见证了生物体内聚合反应的优雅姿态。在本综述中，根据不同的聚合方法总结和介绍了生物体内聚合的最新进展。从大自然中合成生物巨分子的启示突出了触发基于细胞的生物应用的活性聚合的可行性和独特性。讨论了一系列生物体内聚合反应的例子，包括它们的设计、作用机制和相应的应用。也提出了这个充满生命活力的领域当前面临的挑战和前景。

Vital biomacromolecules, such as RNA, DNA, polysaccharides and proteins, are synthesized inside cells via the polymerization of small biomolecules to support and multiply life. The study of polymerization reactions in living organisms is an emerging field in which the high diversity and efficiency of chemistry as well as the flexibility and ingeniousness of physiological environment are incisively and vividly embodied. Efforts have been made to design and develop in situ intra/extracellular polymerization reactions. Many important research areas, including cell surface engineering, biocompatible polymerization, cell behavior regulation, living cell imaging, targeted bacteriostasis and precise tumor therapy, have witnessed the elegant demeanour of polymerization reactions in living organisms. In this review, recent advances in polymerization in living organisms are summarized and presented according to different polymerization methods. The inspiration from biomacromolecule synthesis in nature highlights the feasibility and uniqueness of triggering living polymerization for cell-based biological applications. A series of examples of polymerization reactions in living organisms are discussed, along with their designs, mechanisms of action, and corresponding applications. The current challenges and prospects in this lifeful field are also proposed.