Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Microbes in Human Welfare

Question:

Which one of the following statements is correct about Saccharomyces cerevisiae?

Options:

Used for the production of ethanol

Used as a clot buster

Used as an immunosuppressive agent

Used as blood cholesterol lowering agent

Correct Answer:

Used for the production of ethanol

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) → Used for the production of ethanol

Microbes especially yeasts have been used from time immemorial for the production of beverages like wine, beer, whisky, brandy or rum. For this purpose the same yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae used for bread-making and commonly called brewer’s yeast, is used for fermenting malted cereals and fruit juices, to produce ethanol.

Streptokinase, produced by the bacterium Streptococcus and genetically modified, serves as a "clot buster" in the removal of blood clots from the vessels of individuals who have experienced a heart attack.

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.

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.