Question

The product of which has been commercialised for lowering blood cholesterol

• A. Trichoderma polysporum
  
• B. Monascus purpureus
• C. Saccharomyces cerevisiae
  
• D. Aspergillus niger

Answer 1

The correct option is B Monascus purpureus

Blood cholesterol :
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance that is required for the good health of the body. However, high levels of cholesterol leads to stroke, heart attack and other problems.

Role of statins in lowering blood cholesterol :
Statin acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme that catalyses the biosynthesis of cholesterol. As a result, statins lower the blood cholesterol level.

Source of statin :
Statins are produced by the yeast, Monascus purpureus.

Trichoderma polysporum :
Trichoderma polysporum is used for the production of cyclosporin A which is an immunosuppressant and utilised during organ transplantation.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae :
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used for the production of ethanol at the commercial scale.

Aspergillus niger :
Aspergillus niger is used for the production of citric acid.