What are metabolites?

Metabolites are indeed compounds involved in metabolic reactions. They play crucial roles in metabolism, which encompasses all chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life. Metabolites can be categorized into two main types: primary and secondary metabolites. Primary metabolites, such as amino acids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates, are directly involved in essential life processes, including growth and reproduction. Secondary metabolites, on the other hand, are not directly involved in those processes but can play important roles in interactions with the environment, such as defense against pathogens or attraction of pollinators.

Understanding metabolites is essential for studying how organisms convert substances like food into energy and how they synthesize the molecules necessary for life. Other options refer to specific functions or structures that do not encompass the broader role of metabolites within metabolism, making the first choice the most accurate and relevant description.