Primary metabolites are considered essential to microorganisms for proper

growth.
Secondary metabolites do not play a role in growth, development, and
reproduction, and are formed during the end or near the stationary phase of
growth.
These metabolites can be used in industrial microbiology to obtain amino acids,
develop vaccines and antibiotics, and isolate chemicals necessary for organic
synthesis.

A primary metabolite is a kind of metabolite that is directly involved in normal

growth, development, and reproduction. It usually performs a physiological
function in the organism (i.e. an intrinsic function). A primary metabolite is
typically present in many organism or cell. It is also referred to as a central
metabolite, which has an even more restricted meaning (present in any
autonomously growing cell or organism).
Conversely, a secondary metabolite is not directly involved in those processes,
but usually has an important ecological function (i.e. a relational function). A
secondary metabolite is typically present in a taxonomically restricted set of
organisms or cells (Plants, Fungi, Bacteria...).

Secondary metabolites are organic compounds that are not directly involved
in the normal growth, development, or reproduction of an organism. Unlike
primary metabolites, absence of secondary metabolites does not result in
immediate death, but rather in long-term impairment of the organism's
survivability, fecundity, or aesthetics, or perhaps in no significant change at all.
Secondary metabolites are often restricted to a narrow set of species within a
phylogenetic group. Secondary metabolites often play an important role in plant
defense against herbivory and other interspecies defenses. Humans use
secondary metabolites as medicines, flavorings, and recreational drugs.
Categories
Most of the secondary metabolites of interest to humankind fit into categories
which classify secondary metabolites based on their biosynthetic origin. Since
secondary metabolites are often created by modified primary metabolite
synthases, or "borrow" substrates of primary metabolite origin, these categories
should not be interpreted as saying that all molecules in the category are
secondary metabolites (for example the steroid category), but rather that there
are secondary metabolites in these categories.

Chemists stress that alkaloids are any group of complex heterocyclic nitrogen
compounds, which have strong physiological activity, are often toxic, and retain
their own basic chemical properties.

Abstract:
Alkaloids are one of the most abundant and diverse group of secondary metabolites found at
10-15% concentration in almost all plants. Alkaloids are heterocyclic compound containing
nitrogen in a negative oxidation state due to which they can form salt with acids making them
water soluble.
Alkaloids disrupt the integrity of biomembrane, potent inhibitors of ion channel and impair
the function of microtubules or microfilaments. Alkaloids are mutagenic and carcinogenic
due to their properties to bind DNA and acts at DNA and RNA polymerase level.
A list of alkaloids acts as antibiotics and inhibits the translation process in various organisms.
Alkaloids either activate or inhibit the central process at cellular and organ level in animals.
They affect the digestive process by interfering the hydrolytic enzymes. They impaired the
kidney and liver functioning. Some alkaloids influence the reproductive system of animals.
Alkaloids also possess antimitotic and allergic effects at cellular level. These functions of
alkaloids are well known for their toxic and sometimes psychomimmetic, euphoric, and
hallucinogenic properties.
Alkaloids also have role in chemical ecological perspectives like plant-herbivore interaction,
plant-plant interaction and plant-microbial interaction. Many alkaloids, though poisonous,
have physiological effect that renders them valuable medicine against various diseases
including malaria, diabetics, cancer, cardiac dysfunction etc. These are also used in local
anaesthesia and relief of pain. This article presents a thorough understanding of alkaloids
with respect to their properties, applications and pharmacological effects.

Vitali-Morins test:
Solid alkaloid + fuming HNO3 Evaporate to dryness, dissolve
residue in acetoVitali-Morins test:
Solid alkaloid + fuming HNO3 Evaporate to dryness, dissolve
residue in acetone, add methanolic solution of KOH Violet colour.
P-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde:
Alkaloid + reagent in porcelain dish and heat on boiling water
path Intense Red Colour Cherry Red after cooling.
Gerrards test:
Alkaloid + 2% HgCl2 in 50% Ethanol
Red colour

Atropine

Red after warming

White ppt

Hyoscyamine

Hyoscine

-Physicochemical properties:
-Solid crystalline compound (exception are: coniine and Nicotine are
liquid (It doesn't have Oxygen in their structure).
-Colorless compound (exception are berberine (yellow), Betaine (red).
-Sharp melting Point because its pure compound in crystal form.
-Can be either 1, 2, 3 or 40 alkaloid:
-Basicity depends on availability of lone pair of electrons:
1. Electron donating or electron withdrawing neighbors.
2. Type of hybridization.
3. Aromaticity.

Pharmacological actions and uses

The three Alkaloids are anticholinergic agents:
-Decrease saliva and GIT secretions so used preoperative.
-Decrease motility of smooth muscles so used as antispasmodics.
-Stimulate respiratory system.
-A mydriatic (causes dilatation of the eye pupil).
-An antidote to organophosphorus insecticides.
-Hyoscine has more central effect so it is sedative and hypnotic.
-Hyoscine is mainly used as antiemetic.