Plants and microorganisms produce a range of unique substances. These substances were originally called secondary metabolites because they were not thought to be of primary importance to the organisms. They were believed to be waste products. However, we now know that many of these substances have important ecological functions. They ensure survival by providing protection against competitors and predators, or by acting as chemical signals in beneficial interactions with other organisms. The antibiotic penicillin is a familiar example. Penicillin is produced by the fungus Penicillium. It prevents the growth of bacteria, which would otherwise compete with the fungus for nutrients.
Secondary
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
