| Basis for Comparison | Primary Metabolites | Secondary Metabolites |
| Definition | Primary metabolites are the compounds that are directly involved in the metabolic pathways of an organism necessary for its growth, development, and reproduction. | Secondary metabolites are the organic compounds that are produced by various organisms that are not directly involved in the growth, development, or reproduction of the organism but are essential in the ecological and other activities. |
| Also termed | Primary metabolites are also termed as central metabolites. | Secondary metabolites are also termed as specialized metabolites. |
| Growth phase | Primary metabolites are produced during the growth phase of the organism. | Secondary metabolites are produced during the stationary phase of the organism. |
| This phase of growth is also termed as ‘trophophase’. | This phase of growth is also termed as ‘idiophase’. | |
| Quantity | Primary metabolites are produced in large quantities. | Secondary metabolites are produced in small quantities. |
| Extraction | It is easier to extract primary metabolites. | It is difficult to extract secondary metabolites. |
| Specificity | Primary metabolites are not species-specific and thus might be identical in some organisms. | Secondary metabolites are species-specific and thus are different in different organisms. |
| Involved in | Primary metabolites are involved in the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. | Secondary metabolites are involved in ecological functions and species interactions. |
| Structural component | Primary metabolites might form the molecular structure in organisms. | Secondary metabolites are not a part of the molecular structure of the organism |
| Importance | Primary metabolites are used in various industries for different purposes. | Secondary metabolites are used in various biotechnological procedures for the formation of drugs and other compounds. |
| Defensive action | Primary metabolites are not active in the defense mechanism. | Secondary metabolites are active against foreign invaders and might be involved as a defense mechanism. |
| Examples | Examples of primary metabolites include proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, ethanol, lactic acid, butanol, etc. | Some examples of secondary metabolites include steroids, essential oils, phenolics, alkaloids, pigments, antibiotics, etc. |
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