Primary and Secondary Metabolites MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Primary and Secondary Metabolites - Download Free PDF
Last updated on Apr 29, 2025
Latest Primary and Secondary Metabolites MCQ Objective Questions
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 1:
Which of the following is considered a secondary metabolite involved in plant defense?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 1 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Rubber
Explanation:
- Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism. In plants, these compounds often play a role in defense against herbivores and pathogens.
- Secondary metabolites can include alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and other compounds.
- Rubber is a secondary metabolite produced by certain plants, such as the rubber tree. It serves various functions, including plant defense.
Other Options:
- Glucose: This is a primary metabolite involved in essential metabolic processes, including energy production through glycolysis and photosynthesis.
- Proteins: These are primary metabolites that play critical roles in the structure and function of cells. While some proteins can be involved in plant defense, they are not classified as secondary metabolites.
- Sugars: Similar to glucose, sugars are primary metabolites involved in energy storage and structural functions.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 2:
Which of the following statements about secondary metabolites is correct?
1. Secondary metabolites are produced only when the organism is under stress.
2. They are produced continuously by organisms for their growth.
3. Secondary metabolites help in plant defense.
4. Secondary metabolites are mainly involved in primary energy production.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 2 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is 3 is correct
Explanation:
Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism. These compounds are often involved in ecological functions such as defense mechanisms, competition, and interactions with other organisms. They are typically produced by plants, fungi, bacteria, and marine organisms.
- Secondary metabolites help in plant defense: This is the correct statement. Secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics, play a significant role in defending plants against herbivores, pathogens, and environmental stress. They can act as toxins, deterrents, or attractants for pollinators.
- Secondary metabolites are produced only when the organism is under stress: This is not correct. While some secondary metabolites are induced by stress conditions, many are produced constitutively (continuously) and are part of the organism's normal metabolism.
- They are produced continuously by organisms for their growth: This is incorrect. Secondary metabolites are not essential for the basic growth and reproduction of organisms. They are often produced during specific growth phases or in response to environmental stimuli.
- Secondary metabolites are mainly involved in primary energy production: This is incorrect. Primary energy production involves primary metabolites like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, which are directly involved in growth and energy production. Secondary metabolites are not involved in primary energy production but have other ecological and adaptive roles.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 3:
Assertion (A): Secondary metabolites have ecological importance.
Reason (R): Secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids have important roles in plant defense, and as sources for medicine.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 3 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Both assertion and reason are correct, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
Concept:
- Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of organisms. They are often unique to specific plant species.
- These compounds include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and others, which serve various ecological roles such as plant defense mechanisms, attracting pollinators, or deterring herbivores.
- Secondary metabolites also have significant importance in human medicine, providing sources for various drugs and therapeutic agents.
Explanation:
- Assertion (A): Secondary metabolites have ecological importance. This statement is correct because secondary metabolites play critical roles in interactions between plants and their environment.
- Reason (R): Secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids have important roles in plant defense, and as sources for medicine. This statement is also correct and provides a valid explanation for the assertion. These compounds help protect plants from pests, pathogens, and environmental stress, and many have been utilized in pharmaceuticals.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 4:
Match the metabolites with their respective functions:
Metabolite |
Function |
||
1. |
Drugs |
A. |
Carotenoids |
2. |
Pigments |
B. |
Cellulose |
3. |
Polymeric substances |
C. |
Vinblastin |
4. |
Toxin |
D. |
Abrin |
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 4 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - D
Explanation:
- Primary metabolites:They perform the physiological function of the body. They play a direct role in the growth and development of the organism. They are produced in large amounts and extraction is comparatively easy
- Secondary metabolites: They are the derivatives of the primary metabolites. They take part in ecological functions. They are produced in small amounts and extraction is comparatively tough.
Table: Some secondary metabolites
Pigments | Carotenoids, Anthocyanins, etc. |
Toxins | Abrin, Ricin |
Drugs | Vinblastin, curcumin, etc. |
Polymeric substances | Rubber, gums, cellulose |
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 5:
Which of the following is true about the roles of secondary metabolites in living organisms?
1. They serve as primary nutrients for organisms.
2. They help in the ecological processes and human welfare.
3. They are involved in energy production within cells.
4. They have no identifiable function in organisms.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 5 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is 2 is correct
Explanation:
- Primary metabolites:They perform the physiological function of the body. They play a direct role in the growth and development of the organism. They are produced in large amounts and extraction is comparatively easy
- Secondary metabolites: They are the derivatives of the primary metabolites. They take part in ecological functions. They are produced in small amounts and extraction is comparatively tough.
- Many of them are useful to ‘human welfare’ (e.g., rubber, drugs, spices, scents and pigments). Some secondary metabolites have ecological importance.
Top Primary and Secondary Metabolites MCQ Objective Questions
Polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids and esters are known as _____.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 6 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Primary Metabolites.
Key Points
- Metabolite is an intermediate or end product of metabolism
- They are the intermediate products produced during metabolism, catalyzed by various enzymes that occur naturally within cells
- The term metabolites are usually used for small molecules
- Functions of metabolites include; fuel, structure, signaling, catalytic activity, defense and interactions with other organisms.
- Metabolites are of two types:
- Primary Metabolites
- Chemical compounds produced during the growth and development processes
- Required for growth and maintenance of cellular function
- Same in every species because they are a part of basic cellular function occurring in all organisms
- Involved in the primary metabolic processes of respiration and photosynthesis
- They maintain the physiological functions of the body and are known as central metabolites
- Produced at the growth phase
- They are the intermediate products of anabolic metabolism, which are used by the cells for the formation of essential macromolecules
- Produced in large amounts and easy to extract
- e.g., Amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, carbohydrates
- Secondary Metabolites
- These compounds are produced by the organisms that are not required for primary metabolic processes
- Secondary metabolites are considered to be the end products of primary metabolites
- Involved in ecological functions
- Produced at the stationary phase
- Produced in small amounts and difficult to extract
- Different in every species
- e.g., Phenolics, steroids, antibiotics, pigments
Compounds | Metabolite |
Ribulose | Used in Calvin Cycle, binds with CO2 to form 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde - primary metabolite |
Glycerol | Glycerol is a precursor for the synthesis of triacylglycerols and of phospholipids in liver and adipose tissue, fat, glucose, pyruvate metabolism produces glycerol - primary metabolite |
Mevalonic acid | Precursor in the mevalonate pathway that produces terpenes, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and steroids - primary metabolite |
Cholesterol | It is a steroid, which are considered secondary metabolites because they vary a lot among organisms |
Chlorophyll is a pigment which is structurally similar to and produced through the same metabolic pathway as other porphyrin pigments. The core metal ion present at the centre of the chlorophyll ring:
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 7 Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFConcept:
- Chlorophyll is found in all photosynthetic organisms like green plants, cyanobacteria, and algae which gives the green color.
- Chlorophyll is the molecule that absorbs sunlight during the process of photosynthesis
- This light energy is used to synthesize carbohydrates from CO2 and water.
- There are four types of chlorophyll:
- chlorophyll a, found in all higher plants, algae and cyanobacteria
- chlorophyll b, found in higher plants and green algae;
- chlorophyll c, found in diatoms, dinoflagellates and brown algae
- chlorophyll d, found only in red algae.
Important PointsPorphyrin pigment -
- Porphyrin pigments are a class of water-soluble, nitrogenous biological pigments.
- These compounds have a macrocyclic structure that consists of four pyrrole rings joined by four (=CH−) groups.
- They form complexes with metal ions bound to the nitrogen atom of the pyrrole rings.
Structure of chlorophyll -
- The chlorophyll molecule consists of a central magnesium atom. surrounded by a nitrogen-containing structure called a porphyrin ring.
- Attached to the ring is a long carbon–hydrogen side chain, known as a phytol chain.
- This structure is similar to that of hemoglobin, except that in hemoglobin the central atom is iron, whereas in chlorophyll it is magnesium.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 8:
Polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids and esters are known as _____.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 8 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Primary Metabolites.
Key Points
- Metabolite is an intermediate or end product of metabolism
- They are the intermediate products produced during metabolism, catalyzed by various enzymes that occur naturally within cells
- The term metabolites are usually used for small molecules
- Functions of metabolites include; fuel, structure, signaling, catalytic activity, defense and interactions with other organisms.
- Metabolites are of two types:
- Primary Metabolites
- Chemical compounds produced during the growth and development processes
- Required for growth and maintenance of cellular function
- Same in every species because they are a part of basic cellular function occurring in all organisms
- Involved in the primary metabolic processes of respiration and photosynthesis
- They maintain the physiological functions of the body and are known as central metabolites
- Produced at the growth phase
- They are the intermediate products of anabolic metabolism, which are used by the cells for the formation of essential macromolecules
- Produced in large amounts and easy to extract
- e.g., Amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, carbohydrates
- Secondary Metabolites
- These compounds are produced by the organisms that are not required for primary metabolic processes
- Secondary metabolites are considered to be the end products of primary metabolites
- Involved in ecological functions
- Produced at the stationary phase
- Produced in small amounts and difficult to extract
- Different in every species
- e.g., Phenolics, steroids, antibiotics, pigments
Compounds | Metabolite |
Ribulose | Used in Calvin Cycle, binds with CO2 to form 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde - primary metabolite |
Glycerol | Glycerol is a precursor for the synthesis of triacylglycerols and of phospholipids in liver and adipose tissue, fat, glucose, pyruvate metabolism produces glycerol - primary metabolite |
Mevalonic acid | Precursor in the mevalonate pathway that produces terpenes, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and steroids - primary metabolite |
Cholesterol | It is a steroid, which are considered secondary metabolites because they vary a lot among organisms |
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 9:
Polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids and esters are known as _____.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 9 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Primary Metabolites.
Key Points
- Metabolite is an intermediate or end product of metabolism
- They are the intermediate products produced during metabolism, catalyzed by various enzymes that occur naturally within cells
- The term metabolites are usually used for small molecules
- Functions of metabolites include; fuel, structure, signaling, catalytic activity, defense and interactions with other organisms.
- Metabolites are of two types:
- Primary Metabolites
- Chemical compounds produced during the growth and development processes
- Required for growth and maintenance of cellular function
- Same in every species because they are a part of basic cellular function occurring in all organisms
- Involved in the primary metabolic processes of respiration and photosynthesis
- They maintain the physiological functions of the body and are known as central metabolites
- Produced at the growth phase
- They are the intermediate products of anabolic metabolism, which are used by the cells for the formation of essential macromolecules
- Produced in large amounts and easy to extract
- e.g., Amino acids, vitamins, organic acids, carbohydrates
- Secondary Metabolites
- These compounds are produced by the organisms that are not required for primary metabolic processes
- Secondary metabolites are considered to be the end products of primary metabolites
- Involved in ecological functions
- Produced at the stationary phase
- Produced in small amounts and difficult to extract
- Different in every species
- e.g., Phenolics, steroids, antibiotics, pigments
Compounds | Metabolite |
Ribulose | Used in Calvin Cycle, binds with CO2 to form 3 phosphoglyceraldehyde primary metabolite |
Glycerol | Glycerol is a precursor for the synthesis of triacylglycerols and of phospholipids in liver and adipose tissue, fat, glucose, pyruvate metabolism produces glycerol primary metabolite |
Mevalonic acid | Precursor in the mevalonate pathway that produces terpenes, isopentenyl pyrophosphate IPP and steroids primary metabolite |
Cholesterol | It is a steroid, which are considered secondary metabolites because they vary a lot among organisms |
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 10:
Which of the following is considered a secondary metabolite involved in plant defense?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 10 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Rubber
Explanation:
- Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism. In plants, these compounds often play a role in defense against herbivores and pathogens.
- Secondary metabolites can include alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and other compounds.
- Rubber is a secondary metabolite produced by certain plants, such as the rubber tree. It serves various functions, including plant defense.
Other Options:
- Glucose: This is a primary metabolite involved in essential metabolic processes, including energy production through glycolysis and photosynthesis.
- Proteins: These are primary metabolites that play critical roles in the structure and function of cells. While some proteins can be involved in plant defense, they are not classified as secondary metabolites.
- Sugars: Similar to glucose, sugars are primary metabolites involved in energy storage and structural functions.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 11:
Which of the following statements about secondary metabolites is correct?
1. Secondary metabolites are produced only when the organism is under stress.
2. They are produced continuously by organisms for their growth.
3. Secondary metabolites help in plant defense.
4. Secondary metabolites are mainly involved in primary energy production.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 11 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is 3 is correct
Explanation:
Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism. These compounds are often involved in ecological functions such as defense mechanisms, competition, and interactions with other organisms. They are typically produced by plants, fungi, bacteria, and marine organisms.
- Secondary metabolites help in plant defense: This is the correct statement. Secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics, play a significant role in defending plants against herbivores, pathogens, and environmental stress. They can act as toxins, deterrents, or attractants for pollinators.
- Secondary metabolites are produced only when the organism is under stress: This is not correct. While some secondary metabolites are induced by stress conditions, many are produced constitutively (continuously) and are part of the organism's normal metabolism.
- They are produced continuously by organisms for their growth: This is incorrect. Secondary metabolites are not essential for the basic growth and reproduction of organisms. They are often produced during specific growth phases or in response to environmental stimuli.
- Secondary metabolites are mainly involved in primary energy production: This is incorrect. Primary energy production involves primary metabolites like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, which are directly involved in growth and energy production. Secondary metabolites are not involved in primary energy production but have other ecological and adaptive roles.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 12:
Assertion (A): Secondary metabolites have ecological importance.
Reason (R): Secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids have important roles in plant defense, and as sources for medicine.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 12 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Both assertion and reason are correct, and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
Concept:
- Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of organisms. They are often unique to specific plant species.
- These compounds include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and others, which serve various ecological roles such as plant defense mechanisms, attracting pollinators, or deterring herbivores.
- Secondary metabolites also have significant importance in human medicine, providing sources for various drugs and therapeutic agents.
Explanation:
- Assertion (A): Secondary metabolites have ecological importance. This statement is correct because secondary metabolites play critical roles in interactions between plants and their environment.
- Reason (R): Secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids have important roles in plant defense, and as sources for medicine. This statement is also correct and provides a valid explanation for the assertion. These compounds help protect plants from pests, pathogens, and environmental stress, and many have been utilized in pharmaceuticals.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 13:
Match the metabolites with their respective functions:
Metabolite |
Function |
||
1. |
Drugs |
A. |
Carotenoids |
2. |
Pigments |
B. |
Cellulose |
3. |
Polymeric substances |
C. |
Vinblastin |
4. |
Toxin |
D. |
Abrin |
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 13 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - D
Explanation:
- Primary metabolites:They perform the physiological function of the body. They play a direct role in the growth and development of the organism. They are produced in large amounts and extraction is comparatively easy
- Secondary metabolites: They are the derivatives of the primary metabolites. They take part in ecological functions. They are produced in small amounts and extraction is comparatively tough.
Table: Some secondary metabolites
Pigments | Carotenoids, Anthocyanins, etc. |
Toxins | Abrin, Ricin |
Drugs | Vinblastin, curcumin, etc. |
Polymeric substances | Rubber, gums, cellulose |
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 14:
Which of the following is true about the roles of secondary metabolites in living organisms?
1. They serve as primary nutrients for organisms.
2. They help in the ecological processes and human welfare.
3. They are involved in energy production within cells.
4. They have no identifiable function in organisms.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 14 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is 2 is correct
Explanation:
- Primary metabolites:They perform the physiological function of the body. They play a direct role in the growth and development of the organism. They are produced in large amounts and extraction is comparatively easy
- Secondary metabolites: They are the derivatives of the primary metabolites. They take part in ecological functions. They are produced in small amounts and extraction is comparatively tough.
- Many of them are useful to ‘human welfare’ (e.g., rubber, drugs, spices, scents and pigments). Some secondary metabolites have ecological importance.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 15:
Which of the following is NOT an example of a secondary metabolite
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Primary and Secondary Metabolites Question 15 Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Proteins
Concept:
- Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of organisms.
- Primary metabolites, on the other hand, are directly involved in these processes and are essential for the survival of the organism.
- Secondary metabolites often have ecological functions such as defense mechanisms, pigmentation, or signaling.
Explanation:
- Alkaloids: These are a large group of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. Examples include morphine, quinine, and nicotine. They are typically used in defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens.
- Flavonoids: These are a diverse group of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. They are known for their role in plant coloration and protection against UV radiation and pathogens.
- Proteins: These are primary metabolites. They are essential for cellular structure and function, including enzymes, hormones, and structural components of cells. Proteins are directly involved in the growth and development of organisms.
- Toxins: These are secondary metabolites produced by organisms to deter predators or to compete with other organisms. Examples include snake venom and bacterial toxins.