Primary metabolite
A primary metabolite is a kind of metabolite that is directly involved in normal growth, development, and reproduction. It usually performs a physiological function in the organism. A primary metabolite is typically present in many organisms or cells. It is also referred to as a central metabolite, which has an even more restricted meaning. Some common examples of primary metabolites include:
| Class | Example |
| Alcohols | Ethanol, prenol |
| Amino acids | Glutamic acid, aspartic acid |
| Nucleotides | Guanosine monophosphate |
| Antioxidants | Erythorbic acid |
| Organic acids | Acetic acid, lactic acid |
| Polyols | Glycerol |
| Vitamins | Riboflavin, biotin |
Plant growth regulators may be classified as both primary and secondary metabolites due to their role in plant growth and development. Some of them are intermediates between primary and secondary metabolism.