Which one of the following enzymes is used for removing blood clot in heart patient?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Streptokinase
Microbes are used to make enzymes for industry and medicine. A blood clot in a blood vessel of the heart can cause a heart attack, so an enzyme that dissolves clots is used in such patients.
(1) Lipases — Incorrect. Lipases digest fats. They are used in detergents to remove oily stains from clothes.
(2) Streptokinase — Correct. Streptokinase is made by the bacterium Streptococcus and modified by genetic engineering. It works as a ‘clot buster’ and removes clots from the blood vessels of heart patients.
(3) Statins — Incorrect. Statins are made by the yeast Monascus purpureus. They lower blood cholesterol by blocking the enzyme that makes it. They do not dissolve clots.
(4) Angiotensin — Incorrect. It is a hormone that raises blood pressure. It is not an enzyme and does not remove clots.
NCERT Extract:
Chemicals, Enzymes and Other Bioactive Molecules – “… You must have noticed that bottled fruit juices bought from the market are clearer as compared to those made at home. This is because the bottled juices are clarified by the use of pectinases and proteases. 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.”