Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Microbes in Human Welfare

Question:

Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions.

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. Baculoviruses are pathogens that attack insects and other arthropods. The majority of baculoviruses used as biological control agents are in the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus. These viruses are excellent candidates for species-specific, narrow spectrum insecticidal applications. They have been shown to have no negative impacts on plants, mammals, birds, fish or even on non-target insects. BOD refers to the amount of the oxygen that would be consumed if all the organic matter in one liter of water were oxidised by bacteria. The sewage water is treated till the BOD is reduced. Cheese, is one of the oldest food items in which microbes were used. Different varieties of cheese are known by their characteristic texture, flavour and taste. For example, the large holes in 'Swiss cheese are due to production of a large amount of CO2 by a bacterium named Propionibacterium sharmanii.

Statins are produced by:

Options:

Trichoderma polysporum

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Lactobacillus

Monascus purpureus

Correct Answer:

Monascus purpureus

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → Monascus purpureus

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.

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.

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 yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used for fermenting malted cereals and fruit juices, to produce ethanol.

Micro-organisms such as Lactobacillus and others commonly called lactic acid bacteria (LAB) grow in milk and convert it to curd. During growth, the LAB produce acids that coagulate and partially digest the milk proteins. In our stomach too, the LAB play very beneficial role in checking disease- causing microbes.