Primary Metabolites and Secondary Metabolites Notes on Vedantu
Metabolites refer to the immediate products of metabolic activities. These are catalysed by the enzymes in our body to carry out specific functions. Because there are multiple processes in our body, these metabolites are classified into two broad categories - primary and secondary.
Herein, you have to study the difference between primary and secondary metabolites and their functions. Both are small molecules in our body and essential in performing various internal processes. So, make sure you study every detail of both primary metabolites and secondary metabolites to ace NEET with high grades.
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Definition of Primary Metabolites
The fundamental metabolic functions induced by the body enzymes result in the formation of primary metabolites. In turn, these help in carrying out functions like the growth of cells in your body. Furthermore, these metabolites also aid in the maintenance of cellular activities.
While answering what are primary metabolites, students must note that these are the ones providing the primary metabolic functions. In simple words, these are directly involved in processes such as reproduction, in the form of lactic acid.
Other forms of primary metabolites include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, etc. Notably, it is proven that these are highly essential for the body growth of an individual. They directly induce energy into the cells and help in their growth.
Besides, these are also helpful in the reproduction process, as already mentioned earlier. All of this together makes the primary metabolites an integral part of the growth phase of a living being.
So, while you are studying for NEET, make sure you go through the primary metabolites notes for a clear understanding especially since these are also vital for other related topics.
Meaning of Secondary Metabolites
Secondary metabolites are by-products of primary metabolites. Naturally, these are not directly involved in carrying out bodily functions such as cellular growth and maintenance of the same. As a result, they do not form the part of central metabolites either.
Thus, when you study what are secondary metabolites, ensure you are aware of primary metabolites. As the name implies, the secondary comes after they have performed the primary functions in the body.
Please note, when the growth phase has ended and there is the stationary phase, the secondary metabolites are into function. Other than this, these metabolites are also utilized for multiple external purposes.
Alkaloids and phenolics are of no use to the body and are only useful when they are processed or mixed with other agents. Students should also note here, these secondary metabolites are found mostly in plants.
Classes of Secondary Metabolites
Terpenoids and Steroids: Terpenes are widely used as flavours and fragrances in consumer products such as cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning products, food and drink products. It is a large class of organic chemical derived from the 5-carbon compound isoprene. Steroids, on the other hand, help reduce the production of chemicals that cause inflammation.
Fatty Acid-Derived Substances and Polyketides: Fatty acid-derived substances include hydroxy fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty acid methyl and ethyl esters, among others. They have a variety of industrial applications in plastics, lubricants, and fuels.
Nonribosomal Polypeptides: They are usually produced by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.
Alkaloids: These naturally occurring organic nitrogen-containing bases have varied physiological effects on humans and animals. Examples include nicotine, morphine, strychnine, quinine and ephedrine.
Enzyme Cofactors: Their primary function is to assist in enzyme activity.
Comparison between Primary and Secondary Metabolites
To help you develop a stronghold on the difference between primary and secondary metabolites here is a tabular representation of the major points. Make sure you study them in detail and understand each point.
So, you can see from the above table that both primary and secondary metabolites are essential for the overall survival of a living organism. While the former helps in the initial stages of growth, the latter helps in sustaining it for a longer period of time.
Functions of Secondary Metabolites
The secondary metabolites are mainly used for a variety of biological activities like antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents, immunosuppressive agents, enzyme inhibitors, antitumor agents, etc.
The Major Functions of the Secondary Metabolites are:
Weapons against other living beings such as animals, plants, insects, and microorganisms.
Metal transporting agents.
Agents for symbiotic relation with other organisms.
Reproductive agent.
Agents of communication between organisms.
Differentiation factors.
The other functions are interference in spore formation and germination.
How to Crack NEET with the Smartest Preparation?
Acing NEET is a dream for all medical aspirants in the nation. To achieve that, all you have to do is focus on every topic included in the syllabus. Revise the difference between primary and secondary metabolites thoroughly along with other topics for gaining an upper hand.
Also, go through the primary and secondary metabolites ppt and try to note down the relevant points for your future reference. Remember, hard work coupled with smart work plays a vital role in acting such a high standard nationwide competitive entrance exams.
So, we wish you the best for your exam!
FAQs on Difference Between Primary Metabolites and Secondary Metabolites
1. What do you mean by primary metabolites?
The primary metabolites are the immediate products of metabolic activities that take place during the growth phase of an individual. It also supports the overall development of a body by performing the fundamental physiological functionalities.
2. What is meant by secondary metabolites?
As the name implies, secondary metabolites are the immediate by-products of primary metabolites. They are produced in the stationary phase, after the growth phase is over.
3. What are some examples of primary and secondary metabolites?
Some examples of primary metabolites are lactic acid, amino acids, vitamins, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, etc. Examples of secondary metabolites are alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, essential oils, etc.
4. What are the applications of secondary metabolites?
Secondary metabolites are found in plants, and invertebrate animals and microorganisms such as fungi, algae bacteria, actinobacteria and cyanobacteria.
Here are some of the applications of secondary metabolites:
Secondary metabolites obtained from plants are used in drugs, insecticides, dyes, etc.
Terpenoids (a type of secondary metabolite) is used in manufacturing for pigments, flavorings, and fragrances.
In making antidotes and medicinal drugs like antibiotics, immunosuppressant, antiviral drugs, cancer treatment and chemotherapy drugs, penicillin, anti-ageing medications, cholesterol-lowering medicines, antibacterial drugs etc.
Bacterial secondary metabolites are used to make botulinum toxin which has multiple medical uses, like treatment of muscle spasticity and migraine. It also has cosmetic uses.
5. What is the difference between primary and secondary metabolites?
Metabolite is a substance that is a product of metabolic action or involved in a metabolic process. Metabolites occur naturally, but they can also be produced artificially. Metabolites have several industrial and pharmaceutical uses.
While primary metabolites are those that are directly involved in the growth, development, and reproduction of an organism, secondary metabolites are ones that are not directly involved in these processes.
Primary metabolites are critical for an organism’s survival and growth. Secondary metabolites are not as crucial, but their lack or insufficiency could lead to the impairment. They also often have an ecological role. For instance, in plants, they are pollinator attractants and serve as chemical defenses against microorganisms, insects, predators, and other plants.
Secondary metabolites are more frequently accumulated by organisms in smaller quantities than primary metabolites.
The different types of primary metabolites are ethanol, lactic acid, and certain amino acids. The five main types or classes of secondary metabolites are: terpenoids and steroids, fatty acid-derived substances and polyketides, nonribosomal polypeptides, alkaloids, and enzyme cofactors.
Primary metabolites examples: ethanol, aspartic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, glutamic acid, 5 guanylic acid, glycerol, etc.
Secondary metabolites examples are antibiotics, terpenes, pigments, resins, ergot, alkaloids, naphthalenes, nucleosides, quinolones, peptides, growth hormones, and many others.