Which of the following options is a commercially available agent used for lowering blood cholesterol levels?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Statin
Statins are bioactive molecules produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus. They have been sold commercially as blood-cholesterol lowering agents. A statin works by competitively inhibiting the enzyme that the body uses to make cholesterol, so less cholesterol is synthesised.
NCERT Extract:
Chemicals, Enzymes and Other Bioactive Molecules – “… 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.”