Secondary metabolism

These molecules are sometimes produced by specialized cells, such as laticifers in plants.

[1] Secondary metabolites commonly mediate antagonistic interactions, such as competition and predation, as well as mutualistic ones such as pollination and resource mutualisms.

Examples of secondary metabolites include antibiotics, pigments and scents.

Secondary metabolites are produced by many microbes, plants, fungi and animals, usually living in crowded habitats, where chemical defense represents a better option than physical escape.

As an example can serve sterols, that are products of secondary metabolism, and, at the same time, represent a base for a cell structure.