Secondary Metabolites Primary Metabolite Secondary Metabolites 1) Primary metabolites are essential for life process. (Growth of the cells) These are non-essential. 2)These are identified universally, throughout the source. These are seldom, like in some portions of the source, like steam, bark, etc. 3) These are produced continuously during the growth phase and are involved in primary metabolic processes such as respiration and photosynthesis, etc These compounds do not have a continuous production. However they are produced during non-growth phase of cells. (Synthetically). 4) Heavy mol.wt compounds. Low mol.wt compounds. 5) Structure cannot be drawn.(Undefined) Can be drawn. (Defined) 6) DNA, Proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids are the main primary metabolites. Alkaloids, Terpenoid, phenolics, sterols, steroids, essential oils and lignins, etc

Terpenoids

monoterpenes

Diterpene

Alkaloids

In addition to the products of the flavonoid pathway, cinnamoyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA (acetate-derived) pathways can in certain plant species also undergo condensation reactions to yield the corresponding stilbenes Stilbenes their antifungal effects are more potent, inhibiting fungal spore germination and hyphal growth; stilbenes also function in dormancy and growth inhibition of plants

Flavonoids Many plant–animal interactions are influenced by flavonoids. The colors of flowers and fruits, which often function to attract pollinators and seed dispersers, result primarily from vacuolar anthocyanins such as the pelargonidins (orange, salmon, pink, and red)

Flavonoids Flavonoids have been analyzed as modulators of immune and inflammatory responses, for their impact on smooth muscle function, and as anticancer, antiviral, antitoxic, and hepatoprotective agents. There is considerable current interest in the use of isoflavonoids in cancer prevention. Dietary consumption of the isoflavonoids daidzein and genistein (Fig. 24.70), which are present in soybeans, is thought to reduce substantially the incidence of breast and prostate cancers in humans.