What is secondary metabolism ?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Secondary Metabolism**:
- Secondary metabolism, also known as specialized metabolism, refers to the biochemical pathways that produce metabolites that are not essential for the basic survival of an organism.

2. **Characteristics of Secondary Metabolites**:
- The metabolites produced through secondary metabolism are often small molecules. These compounds are not directly involved in the primary metabolic processes that are necessary for growth and reproduction.

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