Bioactive molecules like statins are produced by :

The correct answer is Option (2) → Monascus purpureus

Statins are bioactive molecules used as blood-cholesterol lowering agents. They act by competitively inhibiting the enzyme that makes cholesterol.

Option (1) Trichoderma polysporum — Incorrect. This fungus produces cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive agent used in organ-transplant patients.

Option (2) Monascus purpureus — Correct. This yeast produces the statins that have been commercialised.

Option (3) Acetobacter aceti — Incorrect. This bacterium is used for the production of acetic acid.

Option (4) Streptococcus — Incorrect. This bacterium produces streptokinase, the ‘clot buster’ that removes clots from blood vessels.

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. Statins produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus have been commercialised as blood-cholesterol lowering agents.”