AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Secondary metabolites are substances manufactured by plants that make them competitive in their own environment. These small molecules exert a wide range of effects on the plant itself and on other living organisms.

Detailed explanation-2: -Plant metabolism is defined as the complex of physical and chemical events of photosynthesis, respiration, and the synthesis and degradation of organic compounds.

Detailed explanation-3: -Secondary metabolites have shown to possess various biological effects, which provide the scientific base for the use of herbs in the traditional medicine in many ancient communities. They have been described as antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral and therefore are able to protect plants from pathogens.

Detailed explanation-4: -Secondary metabolites, also called natural products, are organic compounds of low molecular mass that are produced by bacteria (e.g., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Streptomyces spp.), fungi (e.g., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp.), and plants of certain taxonomic groups.

Detailed explanation-5: -Secondary metabolism is the synthesis of secondary metabolites (small molecules). Secondary metabolites are not essential for the growth, development and reproduction of the plant but can help the plant for other purposes like pest resistance.