Preface

Metabolism is the set of life-sustaining biochemical reactions in organisms. Metabolites are the intermediary products of metabolism. Metabolic products have various functions, including fuel, structure, signaling, stimulatory and inhibitory effects on enzymes, the catalytic activity of their own, defense, and interactions with other organisms. While a primary metabolite is far more essential and directly involved in normal growth, development, and reproduction, a secondary metabolite, though not directly involved in those processes, usually has an important ecological function and provides survival benefit to the organism. All life forms, namely, microorganisms, plants, and animals, are involved in the production of secondary metabolites. In-depth exploration of herbal plants, animals, and microorganisms such as bacteria, actinobacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, and algae has led to the discovery of novel secondary metabolites. Conventional procedures with the required biotechnological intervention will introduce novel secondary metabolic products with high pharmaceutical, agricultural, industrial, and environmental values.

This book consists of an introductory overview of secondary metabolites, followed by two main sections: "Secondary Metabolites: General Reviews and Biotechnological Interventions" and "Plant Secondary Metabolites." It includes thirteen chapters, six of which discuss biotechnological interventions in the production and research of secondary metabolites, and seven of which provide a comprehensive account of the secondary metabolites of plants. Chapters are contributed by authors from countries around the world, including Bulgaria, Canada, India, Italy, México, Nigeria, Pakistan, Perú, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and the United States.

The book is a useful resource for microbiologists, biotechnologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and botanists. Students at all levels, scholars, scientists, and faculty members of various science disciplines will also find this book a valuable tool. We are thankful to all the contributors for the submission of their valuable work. We offer our special thanks and appreciation to Author Service Manager Ms. Marina Dusevic at IntechOpen for her encouragement and help throughout the publication process. We are also indebted to our colleagues and the management at Government Arts and Science College, Bharathidasan University, India.

> **Ramasamy Vijayakumar and Suresh Selvapuram Sudalaimuthu Raja** Department of Microbiology, Government Arts and Science College, (Formerly Bharathidasan University Constituent College), Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Perambalur, Tamilnadu, India

**1**

Section 1

Introduction

Section 1 Introduction

### **Chapter 1**
