The intermediate end products of the process of cellular metabolism catalyzed by different enzymes that naturally occurs within the cells are known as metabolites. Metabolites are of two types, primary metabolites and secondary metabolites.
Primary Metabolites
The process of primary metabolism produces primary metabolites. These are the metabolites required for the maintenance and growth of cellular functions and hence are produced in the growth phase. It is initiated when the nutrients required are present in the medium for an organism to grow. Furthermore, primary metabolites are divided into Primary essential metabolites and primary metabolic end products
Secondary Metabolites
Secondary metabolites are those which are not required for the growth and maintenance of the cellular functions and are the resultant products of the process of primary metabolism. They are the organic compounds not directly involved in the normal growth, development or the process of reproduction of the organism.
Difference Between Primary Metabolites and Secondary Metabolites
Listed below are some of the important differences between Primary Metabolites and Secondary Metabolites
| Primary Metabolites | Secondary Metabolites |
| Definition | |
| These are the products produced during the growth phase in the metabolism of organisms to carry out physiological functionalities thereby enabling the overall cell development of cells | Upon completion of the growth phase, end products of primary metabolism are synthesized. These are necessary for the ecological and other cell activities |
| Phase at which it occurs | |
| Growth phase | Stationary phase |
| Other terms used to refer | |
| Trophophase | Idiophase |
| Quantity of production | |
| Large quantities | Small quantities |
| Extraction process | |
| Easy | Difficult |
| Occurrence | |
| They produce the same products in every species | They produce different products in every species |
| Applications | |
|
|
| Some examples | |
| Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins | Steroids, essential oils, phenolics, alkaloids |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are primary metabolites?
Primary metabolites are involved in the primary metabolic processes of growth, respiration and photosynthesis. They maintain the physiological functions of the body and are known as central metabolites. These primary metabolites are required for the maintenance and growth of cellular functions and hence are produced in the growth phase.
What are some common examples of primary metabolites?
Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and vitamins are some examples of primary metabolites. Lactic acid and some amino acids can also be included in this.
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