What is the primary purpose of plant secondary metabolites?
Correct Answer: Defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens.
- Step 1: Understand that plants produce different types of compounds.
- Step 2: Learn that these compounds are categorized into primary and secondary metabolites.
- Step 3: Know that primary metabolites are essential for basic plant functions like growth and reproduction.
- Step 4: Focus on secondary metabolites, which are not essential for basic functions.
- Step 5: Recognize that the primary purpose of secondary metabolites is to protect the plant.
- Step 6: Identify that these metabolites help defend against herbivores (animals that eat plants) and pathogens (disease-causing organisms).
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