Question

Identify the organism whose product has been commercialised as blood cholesterol lowering agent.

Options

• Trichoderma polysporum

• Monascus purpureus

• Saccharomyces cerevisiae

• Aspergillus niger

Answer 1

Monascus purpureus

Explanation:

Statins, especially lovastatin, which lowers blood cholesterol, are produced by Monascus purpureus. Cyclosporin A, which suppresses the immune system, is produced by Trichoderma polysporum. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is utilized in the fermentation and manufacture of recombinant insulin. Instead of statins, Aspergillus niger generates citric acid.