Secondary Metabolites are Often Useful, and are Obtained By

Question

Secondary metabolites are often useful, and are obtained by
A) harvesting a culture during log phase.
B) allowing a culture to enter stationary phase.
C) growing a culture at sub-optimal temperature.
D) adding chemicals that alter metabolic pathways.
E) using continuous flow culturing.

Accepted Answer

Secondary metabolites are often produced by bacteria during stationary phase, when nutrient levels are low and the cell's primary metabolic needs have been met. This allows the cell to divert energy towards producing these specialized compounds.