Primary and Secondary Metabolites

Primary and secondary metabolites are two types of metabolites found in living organisms.
Primary metabolites are essential for the growth, development, and reproduction of an
organism while secondary metabolites are not essential for the growth, development, and
reproduction. But they often participate in defense reactions. Thus, this is the key difference
between primary and secondary metabolites.

What are the Similarities Between Primary and Secondary Metabolites?

• Primary and secondary metabolites are the two main categories of metabolites
present in living organisms.
• They are small organic compounds that act as signaling molecules, catalysts,
stimulators, or inhibitors of reactions.

What is the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Metabolites?

To make it easier, here is a table comparing the differences between Primary and
Secondary Metabolites:

Primary Metabolites Secondary Metabolites

Primary metabolites are
compounds that are essential and Secondary metabolites are the end
Definition directly involved in the growth, products that play a role in
development, and reproduction of ecological functions
an orgasm
Among Most primary metabolites are Secondary metabolites are
organisms identical among most organisms numerous and widespread
Produced during the growth phase Produced during the non-growth
Origin
of the cell phase of the cell
Produced in large quantities and Produced in small quantities and
Quantity
extraction is easy extraction is difficult
The growth phase where primary The phase during which secondary
Phase of
metabolites are produced is metabolites are produced is called
production
sometimes called “trophophase” “idiophase”
Involvement
Do not participate in defense Most secondary metabolites
in defense
reactions participate in defense reactions
reactions
Similarity Same in all plants Unique to different plant species

Proteins, Carbohydrates, and lipids Alkaloids, phenolics, sterols,

Examples
are the main primary metabolites steroids, essential oils and lignins

By : Ahmed Haider