Molecular Function
secondary metabolism
sec·ond·ar·y me·tab·o·lism
Subclass of:
Metabolic Networks and Pathways
Definitions related to secondary metabolism:
-
A physiochemical process which occurs in a wide range of organisms which unlike BASAL METABOLISM is not required for or essential to short-term survivability but to long-term general well-being of the organism.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
(secondary metabolic process) The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in many of the chemical changes of compounds that are not necessarily required for growth and maintenance of cells, and are often unique to a taxon. In multicellular organisms secondary metabolism is generally carried out in specific cell types, and may be useful for the organism as a whole. In unicellular organisms, secondary metabolism is often used for the production of antibiotics or for the utilization and acquisition of unusual nutrients.Gene Ontology DictionaryGene Ontology Consortium, 2021
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> S
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.