Statins produced by the yeast variety is _____ which have been commercialised as blood-cholesterol lowering agents.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Monascus purpureus
Statins lower blood cholesterol. They act by competitively inhibiting the enzyme that makes cholesterol. They are produced by a yeast.
Option (1) Aspergillus niger — Incorrect. This fungus produces citric acid.
Option (2) Trichoderma polysporum — Incorrect. This fungus produces cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive agent.
Option (3) Monascus purpureus — Correct. This yeast is the source of statins.
Option (4) Bacillus thuringiensis — Incorrect. This bacterium makes Bt toxin, used against insect pests.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 26-05-2026 (Slot 2), and in CUET (UG) 2025 on 02-06-2025 (Slot 2).
NCERT Extract:
Chemicals, Enzymes and Other Bioactive Molecules – “… Streptokinase produced by the bacterium Streptococcus and modified by genetic engineering is used as a ‘clot buster’ for removing clots from the blood vessels of patients who have undergone myocardial infarction leading to heart attack. Another bioactive molecule, cyclosporin A, that is used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ-transplant patients, is produced by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum. 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.”