- Secondary metabolism
Secondary metabolism (also called special metabolism) is a term for pathways and
small molecule products ofmetabolism that are not absolutely required for the survival of theorganism . Examples of the products includeantibiotics andpigment s. To distinguish non-secondary ("ordinary") metabolism, the term "basic metabolism" is sometimes used. Secondarymetabolite s are produced bymicrobe s, plants and animals, but not by all of them.Induction of secondary metabolism
The induction of secondary metabolism is linked to particular environmental conditions or developmental stages. For example, when grown in a nutrient-rich medium, most bacteria employ almost solely basic metabolism in order to grow and reproduce. However, when nutrients are depleted, they start producing an array of secondary metabolites in order to promote survival.
Plants produce secondary metabolites as a response to adverse environmental conditions or in particular developmental stages. For example, exposure to UV radiation induces the
biosynthesis of UV-absorbing compounds.Important secondary metabolites
*
Antibiotic s, such asstreptomycin andpenicilin
*Pigment s, such asdelphinidin External links
* [http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/e20/20.htm Secondary metabolism in plants]
References
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