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Abstract
Fungal metabolism can be divided into two broad areas. Primary metabolism provides the organism with energy, synthetic intermediates, and key macromolecules. Secondary metabolism yields a range of species‐specific compounds which are of no obvious utility to the producing organism. The mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites which are toxic to mammals and which are produced on animal and human foodstuffs. It is best to see the structural relationships and biosynthesis of mycotoxins in relation to fungal metabolism in general. The paper discusses the relationship of primary and secondary metabolism, and the relative importance of the various bio‐synthetic processes in the fungi. Mycotoxins illustrate these processes.