Metabolites Meaning

Metabolites refer to the intermediate products of cellular metabolism catalyzed by enzymes present in the cell. Metabolites serve various functions, including providing energy, building cellular structures, signalling, coordinating activities, and defence. The metabolites are produced by plants, humans, and even microbes. Essential metabolites are crucial for growth, while non-essential ones are produced during specific developmental stages but aren’t directly involved in growth or development.

What are Metabolites – Primary and Secondary Metabolites

Metabolites are the intermediate molecules produced during various metabolic processes. Metabolites produced by plants are of two types – primary and secondary metabolites. The metabolites examples are antibiotics, glucose, amino acids, etc. Metabolite functions include signalling molecules, defence, and catalytic activity. In this article, we will cover metabolites, their types -primary and secondary metabolites, along with their functions and examples.

Table of Content

  • Metabolites Meaning
  • Metabolites in Plants
  • Difference Between Primary and Secondary Metabolites
  • Human Metabolites
  • Microbial Metabolites
  • Conclusion – What are Metabolites? – Primary and Secondary
  • FAQs on What are Metabolites? – Primary and Secondary

Similar Reads

Metabolites Meaning

Metabolites refer to the intermediate products of cellular metabolism catalyzed by enzymes present in the cell. Metabolites serve various functions, including providing energy, building cellular structures, signalling, coordinating activities, and defence. The metabolites are produced by plants, humans, and even microbes. Essential metabolites are crucial for growth, while non-essential ones are produced during specific developmental stages but aren’t directly involved in growth or development....

Metabolites in Plants

The metabolites produced by plants are of two types:...

Difference Between Primary and Secondary Metabolites

The difference between primary and secondary metabolites are given below:...

Human Metabolites

Human metabolites are the byproducts formed during the body’s normal chemical processes. Human metabolites include molecules like arachidonic acid and prostaglandin, which share similar properties and are synthesized through enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Steroid hormones, derived from cholesterol with slight structural modifications, have distinct biochemical roles. Catecholamines such as norepinephrine originate from the amino acid tyrosine in an irreversible pathway....

Microbial Metabolites

Microbial metabolites come in a wide variety of chemicals, offering a rich source for discovering new compounds useful to humans. While distinguishing between primary and secondary metabolites of microorganisms can be tricky, they often produce a mix of similar compounds. These secondary metabolites can give them an edge in their environment by inhibiting other species’ growth or helping in resource gathering....

Conclusion – What are Metabolites? – Primary and Secondary

In conclusion, metabolites are intermediate products of cellular metabolism produced in plants, animals, and microbes. The plant produces two types of metabolites – primary and secondary. Primary metabolites are vital for fundamental cellular functions, serving as building blocks and energy sources necessary for survival and growth across all living organisms. In contrast, secondary metabolites are not essential and they play specialized roles like defense, signaling, and attraction. Examples include amino acids and sugars for primary metabolites, and alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids for secondary metabolites....

FAQs on What are Metabolites? – Primary and Secondary

What is an Example of a Metabolite?...