Question

Which of the following is generally NOT a primary metabolite?

• A. Amino acids
• B. Polysaccharides
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Vitamins

Hint:

Primary = Growth-related Secondary = Defense/competition (e.g., antibiotics)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Metabolites are classified into:
• Primary metabolites → Essential for growth and produced during active growth phase
• Secondary metabolites → Not essential for growth, produced in later stages

Step 1: Identify primary metabolites.

• Amino acids → Primary metabolite
• Polysaccharides → Primary metabolite
• Vitamins → Often primary metabolites

Step 2: Identify secondary metabolite.

• Antibiotics → Produced during stationary phase → Secondary metabolite

Step 3: Final conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is: \[ Antibiotics \]