Research Progress on Ways of Secondary Metabolism in Plants

Abstract

The function of secondary metabolites has been a subject of debate since the first isolation and characterization of these often times structurally complex chemical compounds. By definition, secondary metabolites are naturally produced compounds that are not essential for the survival of the producing organism, as opposed to primary metabolites. Bioassays have revealed a wide range of biological activities, such as cytotoxicity, ichthyotoxicity, antimicrobial and antifeedant activity, antifoulant and anti-cancer activities. However, some of these activities are manifested against organisms that do not represent logical targets, since they would never be encountered by the producing organism in their natural habitat.

Pharmacodynamic material basis of traditional Chinese medicine based on biomacromolecules: a review

“…Under certain conditions, some important primary metabolites, such as acetyl coenzyme A, malonyl coenzyme A, shikimic acid and some amino acids, are used as raw materials or precursors (substrates), and different secondary metabolism processes are further carried out, producing phenolic compounds (such as flavonoids), isoprene compounds (such as terpenes) and nitrogen-containing compounds (such as alkaloids), among other products. In this process, saccharides provide raw materials and a framework for the synthesis of intermediates, and proteins function as the catalytic enzymes for the synthesis of substances [121] (Fig. 2).…”