Question

Which of the following is used as a clot buster ?

• A. Statins
• B. Streptokinase
• C. Penicillin
• D. Cyclosporin A

Hint:

• Mnemonic for Sources: itemize

• Streptococcus \(\rightarrow\) Streptokinase (Clot buster)

• Monascus purpureus \(\rightarrow\) Statins (Cholesterol reducer)

• Trichoderma polysporum \(\rightarrow\) Cyclosporin A (Immunosuppressant)
Genetic engineering is used to modify natural streptokinase to minimize potential allergic reactions and improve its targeted efficacy in patients. itemize

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:

• Microorganisms are utilized commercially to produce several bioactive molecules, which are chemical compounds that possess therapeutic value in human medicine.

• Key bioactive molecules include: itemize

• Streptokinase: A thrombolytic enzyme obtained from cultures of the bacterium Streptococcus.

• Statins: Compounds produced by the yeast Monascus purpureus that assist in managing blood lipid levels.

• Cyclosporin A: An immunosuppressive peptide isolated from the fungus Trichoderma polysporum.

• Penicillin: The first discovered broad-spectrum antibiotic, extracted from the fungus Penicillium notatum.
itemize

Step 1: Understand the clinical term "clot buster"
A "clot buster" (or thrombolytic agent) is a medical substance administered to dissolve blood clots (thrombi) that have formed inside blood vessels. This therapy is critical for patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke, where clot dissolution restores blood flow to ischemic tissues.

Step 2: Evaluate each option based on its medical application

• (A) Statins: These molecules act as competitive inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, and are used to lower blood cholesterol levels.

• (B) Streptokinase: This enzyme activates plasminogen to form plasmin, which directly breaks down fibrin networks within blood clots. Thus, it functions as an effective clot buster.

• (C) Penicillin: This is an antibiotic that target bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it ineffective against vascular blood clots.

• (D) Cyclosporin A: This is used as an immunosuppressant to inhibit T-cell activation and prevent graft rejection in organ transplant recipients.

Step 3: Determine the correct choice
Based on the therapeutic functions described, Streptokinase is the molecule used as a clot buster. This corresponds to option (B).