'Statins' the blood cholesterol-lowering agents, are produced by:

The correct answer is Option (1) → Monascus purpureus

Statins are drugs that lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. They act by competitively inhibiting the enzyme that makes cholesterol in the body. They are produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus.

(1) Monascus purpureus — Correct. This yeast is the source of statins.

(2) Trichoderma polysporum — Incorrect. This fungus produces cyclosporin A, a drug used as an immunosuppressant after organ transplants.

(3) E. coli — Incorrect. It is the bacterium commonly used as a host in recombinant DNA work, for example to make insulin. It is not the source of statins.

(4) Aspergillus niger — Incorrect. This fungus is used to produce citric acid.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 02-06-2025 (Slot 2) and on 20-05-2025 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Chemicals, Enzymes and Other Bioactive Molecules – …