Secondary metabolites

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-010619",
  "term": "Secondary metabolites",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "Organic compounds produced by an organism that are not directly involved in its fundamental processes of growth, development, or reproduction. These substances often play roles in defense, signaling, or competition within an ecosystem. Examples include alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds, which are frequently exploited for pharmaceutical purposes.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and the Environment",
  "see_also": [
    "metabolite"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1992, 64, 143. 'Glossary for chemists of terms used in biotechnology (IUPAC Recommendations 1992)' on page 165 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199264010143)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/secondary-metabolites/"
}