Which of the following mico-organism is used to produce statins, a blood-cholesterol lowering agent?

Monascus purpureus

The correct answer is Option (2) → Monascus purpureus

Statins produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus have been commercialised as blood-cholesterol lowering agents. It acts by competitively inhibiting the enzyme responsible for synthesis of cholesterol.

Cyclosporin A is a bioactive molecule that is widely used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ transplant patients. It plays a crucial role in preventing organ rejection by suppressing the immune system's response to the transplanted organ. This important medication is derived from the fungus Trichoderma polysporum.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is used to ferment the dough used for making bread. This yeast helps in the process of leavening by converting the sugars in the dough into carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to rise.

Microbes are also used for commercial and industrial production of certain chemicals like organic acids, alcohols and enzymes. Examples of acid producers are Aspergillus niger (a fungus) of citric acid, Acetobacter aceti (a bacterium) of acetic acid; Clostridium butylicum (a bacterium) of butyric acid.