Secondary plant compounds

Definition

Secondary plant compounds are organic molecules produced by plants that are not directly involved in growth, development, or reproduction. They often play roles in plant defense and interactions with their environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary plant compounds can act as deterrents to herbivores and pathogens.
2. These compounds have significant medicinal properties and are used in pharmaceuticals.
3. They include alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics.
4. Secondary metabolites can attract pollinators or seed dispersers through color and scent.
5. They contribute to the ecological balance by influencing plant community dynamics.

Review Questions

• What roles do secondary plant compounds play in plant defense?
• Name three types of secondary plant compounds and give one example of each.
• How do secondary metabolites benefit human medicine?

Related terms

Alkaloids: Nitrogen-containing compounds that often have potent pharmacological effects.

Terpenoids: A large class of organic chemicals derived from five-carbon isoprene units with diverse biological functions.

Flavonoids: Polyphenolic compounds found in plants known for their antioxidant activity.