Primary metabolites are essential compounds produced by living organisms during their normal growth and development. These substances include amino acids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates, which play crucial roles in various biological processes. For example, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, while carbohydrates provide energy for cellular functions.
These metabolites are vital for the survival of organisms and are typically found in all living cells. Unlike secondary metabolites, which are not directly involved in growth, primary metabolites are directly linked to the organism's metabolism and are necessary for maintaining life and supporting growth.