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Question #47688
The Question
The yeast Monascus purpureus produces statins, which are commercialized as blood-cholesterol lowering agents. From an ecological and biochemical perspective, which of the following statements accurately bridges the evolutionary rationale of this secondary metabolite with its clinical mechanism of action in humans?
Options
- A.
It evolved to competitively inhibit the mevalonate pathway to suppress ergosterol synthesis in competing fungi, and it cross-reacts to competitively inhibit hepatic HMG-CoA reductase in humans.
- B.
It acts as a primary metabolite that allosterically inhibits lipid synthesis in competing microbes, while in humans, it competitively blocks the intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol.
- C.
It functions as a biocontrol agent by competitively inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis in pathogenic bacteria, while non-competitively inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in human hepatocytes.
- D.
It evolved to synergistically enhance the yeast's own ergosterol production by competitively inhibiting the host's HMG-CoA reductase during systemic fungal infections.
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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
Statin|HMG-CoA_Reductase|Cholesterol|Metabolic_Pathway
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the clinical function of statins (competitive inhibition of cholesterol synthesis) without understanding the evolutionary biology behind secondary metabolites.
The trap lies in confusing the ecological target (fungal ergosterol synthesis) with incorrect biochemical mechanisms (allosteric inhibition, bacterial cell wall degradation, or intestinal absorption).
This tests the synthesis of 'Microbes in Human Welfare' with 'Biomolecules' (Enzyme Inhibition) and 'Biological Classification' (Fungal cell membrane composition).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Statin Mechanism of Action |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |