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Metabolites are the intermediate and immediate products of metabolism.
- These are basically small molecules catalyzed by the enzymes in our body to execute specific functions.
- Based on the type of various internal processes executed, metabolites can be broadly classified into primary and secondary metabolites.
- Metabolites can be put to use in industrial microbiology to develop vaccines and antibiotics, and amino acids.
- They are also used to isolate chemicals essential for organic synthesis.
Read More: NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Biomolecules
| Table of Content |
Key Terms: Metabolites, Primary Metabolites, Secondary Metabolites, Metabolism, Cellular Functions, Lactic Acid, Enzymes, Steroids
What are Primary Metabolites?
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Primary Metabolites are produced during the process of primary metabolism.
- These metabolites are required for the maintenance and growth of cellular functions.
- In addition, primary metabolites aid in the maintenance of cellular activities and the reproduction process in lactic acid form.
- Thus primary metabolites are treated as an integral part of the growth phase of any living being.
- Common examples of primary metabolites are proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins.
Functions of Primary Metabolites
Listed below are the functions executed by primary metabolites:
- Maintenance and growth of cellular functions.
- Perform physiological functions in the body.
- Involved in the reproduction process in the form of lactic acid.
Metabolites
What are Secondary Metabolites?
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Secondary Metabolites are organic compounds produced as a resultant product of primary metabolism.
- They are not directly involved in the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms and thus are not part of central metabolites.
- Secondary metabolites come into play when the growth phase has ended and the stationary phase has commenced.
- Thus secondary metabolites do not form part of central metabolites.
- Common examples of secondary metabolites are steroids, essential oils, alkaloids, phenolics, antibiotics, etc.
Read More: Biomolecules Important Questions
Functions of Secondary Metabolites
Listed below are the functions executed by secondary metabolites:
- Defensive mechanism against other living beings such as animals, insects, microorganisms, etc.
- Act as metal transporting agents.
- Act as an agent for symbiotic relationships with other organisms.
- Act as the reproductive agent.
- Act as agents of communication between various organisms.
- Interfere in spore formation and germination.
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Difference between Primary and Secondary Metabolites
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Presented below is a tabulated representation of the differences between primary and secondary metabolites.
| Basis of Difference | Primary Metabolites | Secondary Metabolites |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | End product of primary metabolism and required for the maintenance and growth of cellular functions. | Organic compounds are produced as end result of primary metabolism and are not directly involved in organisms' growth, development, and reproduction. |
| Alternate Name | Also called trophophase. | Also called idiophase. |
| Area of Occurrence | Occurs during the growth phase of an organism. | Occurs during the stationary phase of an organism. |
| Production | These metabolites are produced in every species during the growth phase. | Production of this metabolite varies for different species. |
| Quantity of production | Large quantities. | Small quantities. |
| Applications | Besides the growth and maintenance of cells, these are also used for various industrial purposes including various manufacturing units or factories. | These are used as antibiotics and gibberellins, helping in sustaining a longer life period. |
| Extraction process | Primary metabolites are easy to extract. | Secondary metabolites are difficult to extract. |
| Examples | Amino acid, lactic acid, carbohydrates, proteins, lipid | Essential oils, steroids, and alkaloids. |
Applications of Metabolites
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Metabolites not only help in the metabolism process, growth, and reproduction, but they are also put for industrial purposes and have economic importance. Below are listed a few of the applications of metabolites put to use in industrial and daily use.
- Because of their antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic natures, metabolites are able to protect plants from pathogens.
- Some of the medicinal uses of secondary metabolites are antimicrobials, antiviral, antiprotozoal, cholesterol-lowering, immunosuppressant, and anti-aging agents.
- Secondary metabolites help in improving the immune system.
- Economically valuable products namely insecticides, drugs, fragrances, dyes, etc are produced from secondary metabolites.
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Things to Remember
- Metabolites are small molecules produced as an intermediate product of metabolism catalyzed by various enzymes.
- Primary metabolites are essential for the maintenance and growth of cellular functions.
- Secondary metabolites come into play when the growth phase has ended and the stationary phase has commenced and are not directly involved in the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms.
- Functions of metabolites include catalytic activity, drug manufacture, improving the immune system, defense, and industrial use.
Previous Years’ Questions
- Which of the following biomolecules is common to… (NEET 2016)
- Metabolism can be best defined as…
- Insulin regulates the metabolism of… (KCET 2006)
- Metabolism refers to the sum of chemical reactions that occur…
- One mole of glucose on metabolism liberates how many…
- Which one of the following is a peptide hormone… (NEET 2006)
- During the process of digestion, the proteins present in food… (NEET 2006)
- The segment of DNA which acts as the instrumental… (NEET 2009)
- Which one of the following gives positive Fehling's solution… (NEET 2001)
- Enzymes take part in a reaction and… (NEET 1993)
- Glycolysis is… (NEET 2003)
- The hormone that helps in the conversion of glucose to glycogen… (NEET 2004)
- Phospholipids are esters of glycerol with… (NEET 2003)
- Which of the following does not exhibit the phenomena of… (NEET 2010)
- Which of the following is not a fat-soluble vitamin… (NEET 2011)
Sample Questions
Ques. What are the types of Secondary Metabolites? (3 Marks)
Ans. Secondary Metabolites can be classified into the following types:
- Terpenoids and Steroids
- Fatty Acid-Derived Substances and Polyketides
- Nonribosomal Polypeptides
- Alkaloids
- Enzyme Cofactors
Ques. What are various methods of extracting primary and secondary metabolites? (3 Marks)
Ans. Primary metabolites are easy to extract while secondary metabolites are difficult to extract.
Some of the common methods of metabolite extraction are listed below:
- Alcohol extraction using various biocompatible solvents
- Reactive extraction for carboxylic acids and antibiotics
- Dissociation extraction
- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
- Microwave-assisted extraction
- Supercritical fluid extraction
Ques. What are terpenoids used for? (3 Marks)
Ans. Terpenoids are a large class of organic chemicals derived from the 5-carbon compound isoprene used as fragrances in consumer products like perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products, and flavors in food and drink products.
Ques. Name some polymeric substances derived from secondary metabolites. Name some antibiotics treated as secondary metabolites. (2 Marks)
Ans. Some popular polymeric substances derived from secondary metabolites are gums, rubber, cellulose, etc. These are extensively used for industrial purposes.
Erythromycin and Bacitracin are popular antibiotics used as antimicrobial drugs. Bacitracin is commonly used as a topical drug.
Ques. What are some of the common uses of citric acid, a primary metabolite? (3 Marks)
Ans. Citric acid, a primary metabolite has the following uses:
- Food Production
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Cosmetic industry
Ques. What are some of the common industrial use of metabolites? (2 Marks)
Ans. Metabolites are used in industrial microbiology to develop antibiotics and vaccines, obtain amino acids and isolate chemicals for organic synthesis. They are also used in food production.
Ques. Give some examples of primary metabolites. (1 Mark)
Ans. Some of the known primary metabolites are lactic acid, amino acid, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, etc.
Ques. What are alkaloids? (2 Marks)
Ans. Alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites composed of organic nitrogen-containing bases. These have varying physiological effects on humans and animals. Common examples of alkaloids are morphine, quinine, nicotine, etc.
Ques. What are essential oils and discuss their uses? (3 Marks)
Ans. Essential oils are a type of secondary metabolite available as concentrated hydrophobic liquid and extracted from specific plants. Some common examples of essential oils are lemongrass oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, etc. Common uses of essential oils are listed below:
- Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial agent
- Boost energy
- Aid in digestion
- Lift mood
- Fight fatigue
- Support memory
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