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Question #47686
The Question
A patient with hypercholesterolemia is prescribed a bioactive molecule extracted from the yeast Monascus purpureus. While this molecule directly targets an intracellular enzyme, the actual reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood plasma is primarily achieved through which of the following compensatory mechanisms?
Options
- A.
Decreased intracellular cholesterol triggers the upregulation of LDL receptors on hepatocytes, increasing LDL endocytosis from the blood.
- B.
The molecule acts as a non-competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, preventing the assembly and release of LDL particles from the liver.
- C.
It competitively inhibits the intestinal absorption of dietary sterols, forcing the liver to directly degrade circulating blood LDL.
- D.
Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis causes a buildup of mevalonate, which acts as an allosteric activator for blood plasma lipases.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
dsRNA|Dicer|RISC|Bioactive gene silencing
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the NCERT line that statins 'competitively inhibit the enzyme responsible for synthesis of cholesterol' but fail to bridge the gap between intracellular synthesis inhibition and extracellular (blood) cholesterol reduction.
The trap relies on distinguishing between the direct biochemical action (enzyme inhibition) and the physiological compensatory mechanism (receptor upregulation) that actually clears the blood.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Bioactive Molecule Origin |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |