Inbiochemistry, ametabolite is an intermediate or end product ofmetabolism.[1]The term is usually used forsmall molecules. Metabolites have various functions, including fuel, structure, signaling, stimulatory and inhibitory effects onenzymes, catalytic activity of their own (usually as acofactor to an enzyme), defense, and interactions with other organisms (e.g.pigments,odorants, andpheromones).
Aprimary metabolite is directly involved in normal "growth", development, and reproduction.Ethylene exemplifies a primary metabolite produced large-scale byindustrial microbiology.
Asecondary metabolite is not directly involved in those processes, but usually has an importantecological function. Examples includeantibiotics andpigments such asresins andterpenes etc.
Some antibiotics use primary metabolites as precursors, such asactinomycin, which is created from the primary metabolitetryptophan. Somesugars are metabolites, such asfructose orglucose, which are both present in themetabolic pathways.
Examples of primary metabolites produced by industrial microbiology include:[2]
| Class | Example |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Ethanol |
| Amino acids | Glutamic acid,aspartic acid |
| Nucleotides | 5' guanylic acid |
| Antioxidants | Isoascorbic acid |
| Organic acids | Acetic acid,lactic acid |
| Polyols | Glycerol |
| Vitamins | B2 |
Themetabolome forms a large network of metabolic reactions, where outputs from one enzymaticchemical reaction are inputs to other chemical reactions.
Metabolites fromchemical compounds, whether inherent orpharmaceutical, form as part of the natural biochemical process of degrading and eliminating the compounds.[3]The rate of degradation of a compound is an important determinant of the duration and intensity of its action. Understanding how pharmaceutical compounds aremetabolized and the potentialside effects of their metabolites is an important part ofdrug discovery.[4]
metabolite [...] Any product of metabolism.
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