They, too, derive protection from predators from these molecules. Primary metabolites are those chemicals produced by plants that are directly involved in plant growth and development. They are absolutely essential for survival.
Examples are glucose and chlorophyll.
In contrast, secondary metabolites do not appear to be essential for survival. These secondary chemicals may be metabolic waste products, or may be chemicals for which we still haven't identified a particular function. C. Biodynamic Chemicals. Some plants are especially known for ability to produce alkaloids, such as members of the Bean family, Tomato family and Coffee family. They generally lack nitrogen.