Metabolomics and metabolism

Metabolites

In biochemistry, a metabolite is an breakdown or end product of metabolism and makes energy and are usually used for small molecules, which are combined to form a large molecule in a cell. It may have functions like fuel, structure, signaling, restorative and inhibitory actions on enzymes. A co-factor to an enzyme are pigments, odorants, and pheromones. Generally Metabolites are of two types such as primary metabolite and secondary metabolite. Primary metabolite helps in growth, development and reproduction of a cell whereas secondary metabolite is not involved directly in those process but shows ecological balance. Ethylene exemplifies a primary metabolite; Antibiotics and Pigments such as Resins and Terpenes exemplifies a secondary metabolite.