NEETBotanyBiomolecules (B)
What is the difference between primary and secondary metabolites?
Options
- APrimary metabolites have identifiable functions while secondary metabolites do not.
- BSecondary metabolites have identifiable functions while primary metabolites do not.
- CBoth primary and secondary metabolites have identifiable functions.
- DNeither primary nor secondary metabolites have identifiable functions.
Correct answer
A. Primary metabolites have identifiable functions while secondary metabolites do not.
Step-by-step solution
While primary metabolites have identifiable functions and play known roles in normal physiologial processes, we do not at the moment, understand the role or functions of all the ‘secondary metabolites’ in host organisms . However, many of them are useful to ‘human welfare’ (e.g., rubber, drugs, spices, scents and pigments). Some secondary metabolites have ecological importance.