Secondary metabolism

Streptomycin, an important antibiotic drug produced by Streptomyces bacteria

Secondary metabolism (also called specialized metabolism) is a term for pathways and small molecule products of metabolism that are not absolutely required for the survival of the organism. Examples of the products include antibiotics and pigments. To distinguish non-secondary ("ordinary") metabolism, the term basic metabolism is sometimes used. Secondary metabolites are produced by many microbes, plants, fungi and animals.

Important secondary metabolites

• Antibiotics, such as streptomycin and penicillin
• Pigments, such as delphinidin

See also

• Phytochemistry

External links

• Secondary metabolism in plants
• Evolution of plant specialized metabolic pathways