Question

Describe the differences between a primary metabolite and a secondary metabolite and their importance in plants. Make sure to provide a description and examples of primary metabolites. Name, describe, and give an example of the three classes of secondary metabolites, their importance from the plants point of view and their value to humans.

Answer 1

Answer No 1)

Primary metabolites can be described as a type of metabolites which are required by an organism for the growth and maintenance of cellular function. On the other hand, secondary metabolites can be described as the metabolites which are the end products of the primary metabolism. The metabolites help in several processes like growth, development and respiration of the plant cells. Example of primary metabolites are plant growth regulators.

Answer No 2)

The plant secondary metabolites can be divided into four main types:

Terpenes: These can be described as a class constituting of natural products which are composes of isopropene unit.

Phenolic compounds: Phenolic compounds comprise of chemical compounds which are composed of aromatic ring structures containing one or more hydroxyl groups.

Glycoside: These are molecules a carbohydrate is bond by a glycosidic bond.

Alkaloids: It is a diverse group containing nitrogen basic compounds.

Secondary metabolites have wide importance in human life as these are a source of medicines, flavor, pigments and a variety of drugs.

Step-by-step explanation: