Cyclosporin A, which is used as an immunosuppressive agent, is produced by:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Trichoderma polysporum
Cyclosporin A is a bioactive molecule that suppresses the immune system. It is given to organ-transplant patients so that their body does not reject the new organ. It is made by a fungus.
Option (1) Staphylococcus — Incorrect. Staphylococcus is the bacterium on which Fleming discovered penicillin; it makes no cyclosporin.
Option (2) Penicillium notatum — Incorrect. This mould produces penicillin, an antibiotic.
Option (3) Trichoderma polysporum — Correct. This fungus produces cyclosporin A.
Option (4) Monascus purpureus — Incorrect. This yeast produces statins, which lower blood cholesterol.
Note: A similar question was also asked 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.”