Download Primary and Sec Metabolites- IMPPP

Primary Metabolites Definition
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Primary metabolites are the compounds that are directly involved in the
metabolic pathways of an organism necessary for its growth,
development, and reproduction.
These metabolites are associated with the physiological processes
occurring in the organism.
Primary metabolites are produced in the organism during the growth
phase, as a result of the growth mechanism.
The growth phase associated with the production of primary metabolites
is termed as ‘trophophase’.
The production of primary metabolites is initiated when the nutrients
necessary for the body are available in the medium.
These are found in most cells throughout the body and are also termed
central metabolites.
Primary metabolites are crucial for various metabolic activities as some
act as a substrate for these processes, while others act as catalysts.
Some primary metabolites like amino acids are common throughout the
organisms, whereas some are restricted to some cells or some
organisms.
Even though primary metabolites play an essential role in the growth
and development of an individual, these do not have pharmacological
actions or effects against other factors.
The production of primary metabolites usually occurs at a high rate as
these are constantly required for the body. These can also be extracted
easily through simple extraction procedures.
Primary metabolites are divided into two groups; primary essential
metabolites and primary metabolic end products.
Primary essential metabolites include compounds like proteins and
carbohydrates that make up the structural and physiological
organization of the organism. In contrast, primary metabolic end
products include products like lactic acid and ethanol that are the end
products of various metabolic pathways.
Examples of primary metabolites
include proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, ethanol,
lactic acid, butanol, etc.
Secondary Metabolites Definition
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Secondary metabolites are the organic compounds that are produced by
various organisms that are not directly involved in the growth,
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development, or reproduction of the organism but are essential in the
ecological and other activities.
Secondary metabolites are also termed specialized metabolites or
natural products.
Because secondary metabolites are not involved in the growth and
development of the organism, the absence of these compounds causes
little to no effect on the survivability of the organism.
However, in the long run, some mild effects might be observed.
Some secondary metabolites are specific to a species and are only found
in them, but the horizontal transfer of these metabolites across species
has seen to play an important role in the evolution of some organisms.
Although they are not important for survival, secondary metabolites
might be important for other activities like protection, competition, and
species interaction.
Secondary metabolites are classified into groups based on their
biosynthetic origin. Some of the secondary metabolites are derived
forms of primary metabolites.
These are also formed during the stationary phase of growth in most
organisms. This phase of growth is termed ‘idiophase’.
Most secondary metabolites tend to act as a defense mechanism against
various foreign invaders.
These are produced in rather smaller quantities and are difficult to
extract.
Secondary metabolites are also not a part of the molecular organization
of the organism.
Some categories of secondary metabolites have been used in various
biotechnological procedures for the formation of drugs and other
compounds.
Since secondary metabolites are specific to species, different secondary
metabolites are involved in various procedures.
Some examples of secondary metabolites include steroids, essential oils,
phenolics, alkaloids, pigments, antibiotics, etc.
Key differences (Primary Metabolites vs
Secondary Metabolites)
Basis for
Comparison
Primary Metabolites
Secondary Metabolites
Definition
Primary metabolites are the
compounds that are directly
involved in the metabolic
pathways of an organism
necessary for its growth,
development, and reproduction.
Secondary metabolites are the
organic compounds that are
produced by various organisms
that are not directly involved in
the growth, development, or
reproduction of the organism but
are essential in the ecological
and other activities.
Also termed
Primary metabolites are also
termed as central metabolites.
Secondary metabolites are also
termed as specialized
metabolites.
Primary metabolites are produced
during the growth phase of the
organism.
Secondary metabolites are
produced during the stationary
phase of the organism.
This phase of growth is also
termed as ‘trophophase’.
This phase of growth is also
termed as ‘idiophase’.
Quantity
Primary metabolites are produced
in large quantities.
Secondary metabolites are
produced in small quantities.
Extraction
It is easier to extract primary
metabolites.
It is difficult to extract secondary
metabolites.
Specificity
Primary metabolites are not
species-specific and thus might be
identical in some organisms.
Secondary metabolites are
species-specific and thus are
different in different organisms.
Involved in
Primary metabolites are involved
in the growth, development, and
reproduction of organisms.
Secondary metabolites are
involved in ecological functions
and species interactions.
Structural
Primary metabolites might form
Secondary metabolites are not a
Growth phase
component
the molecular structure in
organisms.
part of the molecular structure
of the organism
Primary metabolites are used in
various industries for different
purposes.
Secondary metabolites are used
in various biotechnological
procedures for the formation of
drugs and other compounds.
Defensive action
Primary metabolites are not active
in the defense mechanism.
Secondary metabolites are
active against foreign invaders
and might be involved as a
defense mechanism.
Examples
Examples of primary metabolites
include proteins, enzymes,
carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins,
ethanol, lactic acid, butanol, etc.
Some examples of secondary
metabolites include steroids,
essential oils, phenolics,
alkaloids, pigments, antibiotics,
etc.
Importance
Examples of primary metabolites
Enzymes
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Enzymes are proteins that are produced in the body of different organisms as
primary metabolites.
Enzymes are important compounds that catalyze various metabolic pathways
throughout the body.
Enzymes are proteins formed of polypeptide chains of amino acids that are
highly specific for the reaction they catalyze.
In the absence of enzymes, the biological reactions would require a long period
of time to complete.
Enzymes are conservative and do not get spent during chemical reactions.
These are involved in almost all forms of metabolic pathways ranging from
cellular respiration to internal digestion and absorption.
The enzymes produced in various organisms are extracted for their use in
industries for processes like fermenting of wine, the leavening of bread,
curdling of cheese, and brewing of beer.
Some examples of enzymes include lipases, amylases, proteases, etc.
Carbohydrates
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Carbohydrate is a group of organic compounds that play an important role in
the structural and physiological components of all living beings.
Carbohydrates are among the most important primary metabolites that are
common in all living organisms.
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A carbohydrate is a biomolecule formed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
These provide structure to organisms like cellulose in plants and peptidoglycan
in bacteria.
Besides, these are also compounds that are oxidized to obtain energy for the
growth and functioning of the organism.
Carbohydrates are of various types depending on their length and composition.
They are also divided based on their functions.
Carbohydrates act as substrates for the important biological processes like
Kreb’s cycle and glycolysis.
Monosaccharides are also involved in the formation of macromolecules and
might even function as reservoirs of energy and fats.
Some examples of carbohydrates include glucose, cellulose, glycogen, chitin,
peptidoglycan, etc.
Examples of secondary metabolites
Pigments
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Pigments are compounds of various colors that are produced by various
organisms for various purposes.
These are secondary metabolites and are produced by various organisms like
plants and bacteria.
Plant pigments like chlorophyll are essential for processes like photosynthesis,
whereas bacterial pigments can be extracted to be used in industries as dyes.
Pigments are mostly non-toxic and might even have medicinal importance to
be used as antioxidants and additives.
Bacterial pigments produced for industrial purposes by microbial fermentation
has several advantages such as cheaper production, easier extraction, higher
yields through strain improvement, no lack of raw materials, and no seasonal.
Biopigments produced from microorganisms are preferred over those from
plants because of their stability and availability for cultivation throughout the
year.
Examples of these pigments include chlorophyll, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin,
indigoidine, rhodopsin, etc.
Flavonoids
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Flavonoids are secondary metabolites in plants that are found in all fruits and
vegetables.
Flavonoids are phytonutrients, meaning plant chemical, that also provides
some coloration to many plants and animals.
These are the largest groups of phytonutrients found in plants with more than
6000 types known.
These compounds have important antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and
immune system benefits.
They also have antimicrobials, photoreceptors, visual attractors, feeding
repellants, and for light screening functions.
Flavonoids are known to control the development of individual organs and the
whole-plant; and, hence, contribute to stress-induced morphogenic responses
of plants.
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Flavonoids may play critical roles as signaling molecules in mammals, through
their ability to interact with a wide range of protein kinases.
Some examples of flavonoids found in various vascular plants include Apigenin,
Luteolin, Hesperetin, Genistein, etc.