Secondary metabolites

Secondary Metabolites

Secondary metabolites (pronunciation: /ˈsɛkəndɛri mɛtəˈbaɪlaɪts/) are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism. Unlike primary metabolites, secondary metabolites often have a specific role in the plant or animal, such as defense against predators or pathogens, or communication with other organisms.

Etymology

The term "secondary metabolite" comes from the fact that these compounds are often produced in a second stage of metabolism, separate from the primary metabolic pathways that produce essential compounds like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Types of Secondary Metabolites

There are three main types of secondary metabolites: alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids. Each of these classes has a different chemical structure and different biological functions.

• Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing compounds that often have potent biological effects. Examples include caffeine, morphine, and nicotine.

• Phenolics are compounds that contain a phenol group. They are often involved in defense against pathogens and in plant coloration. Examples include flavonoids and tannins.

• Terpenoids are a large and diverse group of compounds that are made from five-carbon isoprene units. They include many essential oils, steroids, and carotenoids.

Role in Medicine

Many secondary metabolites have important roles in medicine. For example, many drugs are derived from plant alkaloids, such as morphine from the opium poppy and quinine from the cinchona tree. Phenolics have antioxidant properties and may have health benefits, while terpenoids include compounds like steroids that are used in medicine.

See Also

• Primary metabolites
• Metabolism
• Pharmacognosy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Secondary metabolites
• Wikipedia's article - Secondary metabolites

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