Consider the following biomolecules: Alanine, Lecithin, Morphine, Ricin, Concanavalin A, Cholesterol, Curcumin How many of the given biomolecules are classified as secondary metabolites?

Step-by-step solution

Primary metabolites have identifiable functions and play known roles in normal physiological processes. Alanine (an amino acid), lecithin (a phospholipid), and cholesterol (a lipid) are primary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are products of certain metabolic pathways that do not have a known direct physiological role in the normal growth and development of the organism, but often have ecological importance or utility in human welfare. Morphine (alkaloid), ricin (toxin), concanavalin A (lectin), and curcumin (dr