Secondary Metabolism

Secondary metabolism is the production of specialized metabolites by organisms, often with significant ecological functions. Examples of secondary metabolites include antibiotics, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, peptides, fatty acids, pigments, and secondary metabolites used in defensive and offensive roles. Secondary metabolites are produced by a wide range of organisms, including plants, fungi, and animals, and generally have a variety of functions such as defending against predators, providing environmental benefits, and promoting interspecies communication. Secondary metabolites play a critical role in the production of medicines, flavorings, and fragrances, and are an essential component of many of the products used by humans.