NEETBotanyBiomolecules (B)
Do secondary metabolites have any ecological importance?
Options
- ANo, they do not have any ecological importance.
- BYes, they have some ecological importance.
- CThe ecological importance of secondary metabolites is not yet known.
- DSecondary metabolites only have ecological importance in plant and fungal cells.
Correct answer
B. Yes, they have some ecological importance.
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 .