Definition
Secondary metabolism is the subset of metabolic networks not directly involved in the production of the essential cell components and, thus, not playing any part in cell growth and development. Secondary metabolites include chemical species with ecological functions (e.g., antibiotics) and are more or less elaborated derivatives from metabolites involved in central pathways. Thus, secondary metabolism occupies a peripheral position in metabolic networks.
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© 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Peretó, J. (2014). Metabolism, Secondary. In: Amils, R., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1412-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1412-2
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Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27833-4
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