Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Microbes in Human Welfare

Question:

Read the given passage and answer the following question :

Microbes like Saccharomyces cerevisiae are utilized in the commercial production of ethanol. Enzyme production is another application of microbes, with lipases being used in detergent formulations to effectively remove oily stains from laundry. It is common to observe that commercially bottled fruit juices appear clearer compared to homemade ones, as the former undergo clarification processes employing pectinases and proteases. 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, another bioactive molecule, is derived from the fungus Trichoderma polysporum and is employed as an immunosuppressive agent in organ transplant patients. Statins, on the other hand, are produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus and have been commercialized as agents to lower blood cholesterol levels. They function by competitively inhibiting the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis. Biofertilizers are organisms that enhance the nutrient quality of the soil and can be derived from bacteria, fungi, and cyanobacteria. Rhizobium bacteria form nodules on the roots of leguminous plants and convert atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms, which serve as nutrients for the plants. Additionally, certain free-living bacteria like Azospirillum and Azotobacter can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, thereby enriching its nitrogen content .Fungi also engage in symbiotic associations with plants, known as mycorrhiza. Many members of the Glomus genus form mycorrhiza, wherein the fungal symbiont absorbs phosphorus from the soil and transfers it to the plant. These associations offer various benefits to the plants, including enhanced resistance to root-borne pathogens, increased tolerance to salinity and drought, and an overall improvement in plant growth and development.

Which fungus produces cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive agent?

Options:

Trichoderma polysporum

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Penicillium notatum

None of the above

Correct Answer:

Trichoderma polysporum

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) -Trichoderma polysporum

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 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.

The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 marked a significant breakthrough in the field of medicine, as it revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections and saved countless lives. Since then, penicillin and its derivatives have been extensively used as antibiotics to combat a wide range of bacterial diseases.