Question

Which among the following microbial products is/are obtained from the organism(s) belonging to the kingdom Fungi?

• A. Statins
• B. Cyclosporin A
• C. Streptokinase
• D. Both a and b

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both a and b

Microbes play a vital role in our lives. Some of these produce beneficial products.

• Statins are blood cholesterol lowering agents obtained from the yeast, Monascus purpureus.
• Cyclosporin A is a bioactive molecule produced by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum. Patients who have undergone organ transplantation often face the problem of organ rejection. This is because the immune system starts to attack the donated organ. Hence, to avoid this risk of organ rejection, patients are given immunosuppressive drugs. Cyclosporin A is an immunosuppressive agent that is administered to people who have undergone organ transplantation.
• Streptokinase is obtained from the bacterium Streptococcus. It is used as a clot buster drug that helps to dissolve clots in the blood vessels. Clots present in the bloodstream can fatally affect the heart and the brain. When the clot blocks the blood flow to the heart it leads to heart attack. The lack of oxygenated blood supply to the cardiac tissues may lead to irreparable damage and even death. Clot buster drugs are thrombolytic agents that are used to remove clots. Streptokinase is a thrombolytic medication.

Monascus purpureus and Trichoderma polysporum belong to the kingdom Fungi. Hence, option d is the correct answer.

Streptococcus is a bacterium and bacteria belong to the kingdom Monera.