Question

Monascus purpureus is a yeast, which is used commercially in the production of-
a. Ethanol
b. Streptokinase for the remaining of dots from blood vessels.
c. Citric acid
d. Blood cholesterol-lowering statins

Answer 1

Monascus purpureus is a species of mold. It is purplish-red. It goes by various names such as ang-khak rice mold, corn silage mold, maize silage mold, and rice kernel discoloration.

Complete answer:
- Monascus purpureus is the yeast used commercially in the production of blood cholesterol-lowering statins. It is fungus most important because of its use in the form of red yeast rice in the production of fermented food in China.
- Ethanol is produced by the fermentation processes by yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Streptokinase is naturally produced by Streptococci spp. Bacteria. This bacterium uses this enzyme to break up blood clots so that they can spread from the initial site of infection. It can also activate fibrin.
- Citric acid is produced by the species of Aspergillus, Aspergillus niger.

Hence, Monascus purpureus is the yeast used commercially in the production of Blood cholesterol-lowering statins.
So, the correct answer is option (D).

Additional information:
Red yeast is used for maintaining desirable cholesterol levels in healthy people. The active ingredient in red yeast is the same as the active ingredient in prescription drugs called statins used for high cholesterol. That's why, red yeast has all the possible side effects, drug interactions, and precautions associated with this type of drug.

Mode of action of Monascus purpureus - competitively inhibiting the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol.

During growth, Monascus spp. break down the starch substrate into various metabolites, including pigments produced as secondary metabolites. The structure of pigments depends on the type of substrate and many other specific factors during cultures, such as pH, temperature, and moisture content.

This fungus is most important because of its use, production of certain fermented foods in China, in the form of red yeast rice.

Note: The fermented rice product of Chinese, red yeast rice is scientifically named as Monascus purpureus that some have claimed improves blood circulation by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in humans. Monascus spp. break down the starch substrate into various metabolites, including pigments produced as secondary metabolites.