Which of the Following Statements About Primary and Secondary Metabolites

Question

Which of the following statements about primary and secondary metabolites is true?
A) Primary metabolites are produced maximally during the lag phase of growth.
B) Secondary metabolites are produced maximally during the lag phase of growth.
C) Primary metabolites are produced maximally during the log phase of growth.
D) Secondary metabolites are produced maximally during the log phase of growth.
E) Primary metabolites are produced maximally during the stationary phase of growth.

Accepted Answer

Primary metabolites are produced during the growth phase, specifically in the log phase, when cells are actively dividing and require nutrients for growth and reproduction. Secondary metabolites, on the other hand, are typically produced during stationary phase, when nutrients are scarce and cells begin to produce specialized molecules for survival and defense.