Before You Begin
Question #47689
The Question
Statins, bioactive molecules extracted from the yeast Monascus purpureus, act as blood-cholesterol lowering agents by functioning as competitive inhibitors of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. Based on the principles of enzymatic regulation and cellular metabolism, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the mechanism and consequences of statin administration?
Options
- A.
Statins closely resemble the natural substrate HMG-CoA in molecular structure, allowing them to temporarily occupy the enzyme's active site.
- B.
The inhibitory effect of statins on cholesterol synthesis can be overcome by significantly increasing the intracellular concentration of HMG-CoA.
- C.
Statins bind covalently to the allosteric site of HMG-CoA reductase, permanently altering its three-dimensional conformation to halt the mevalonate pathway.
- D.
Prolonged statin use can lead to a secondary cellular depletion of Ubiquinone (CoQ10), as both cholesterol and CoQ10 share the same early biosynthetic precursor pathway.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Lac_Operon_Inducibility|Statin|Allosteric_Site
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating 'Microbes in Human Welfare' (Statins) with 'Biomolecules' (Enzyme Kinetics).
The trap relies on students memorizing that statins are inhibitors but failing to distinguish the exact mechanism of competitive inhibition (reversible, active site) from non-competitive or irreversible inhibition (covalent, allosteric site).
It also tests the physiological fallout of blocking a shared metabolic pathway.
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 |