Question

Match List-I with List-II:

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A)-(III), (B)-(II), (C)-(I), (D)-(IV)
• B. (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)
• C. (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)
• D. (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)

Hint:

Microbial Bioactive Molecules:
$\bullet$ Cyclosporin A $\rightarrow$ Trichoderma polysporum (Immunosuppressant).
$\bullet$ Statins $\rightarrow$ Monascus purpureus (Lowers blood cholesterol).
$\bullet$ Swiss cheese holes $\rightarrow$ Propionibacterium sharmanii ($CO_2$ release).
$\bullet$ Biofertilizer cyanobacteria $\rightarrow$ Oscillatoria, Nostoc, Anabaena.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Microorganisms produce diverse bioactive molecules, industrial metabolites, and perform ecological services such as nitrogen fixation.

Step 1: Identifying Microorganisms and Their Specific Bioactive Roles:
1. Immunosuppressive agent: Cyclosporin A is a bioactive molecule used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ-transplant patients, commercially produced by the fungus {Trichoderma polysporum. Thus, (A) matches with (II).
2. Blood-cholesterol lowering agents: Statins competitively inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis) and are produced by the yeast {Monascus purpureus. Thus, (B) matches with (III).
3. Nitrogen fixation: {Oscillatoria is an autotrophic cyanobacterium that enriches organic matter and fixes atmospheric nitrogen in aquatic and paddy soil habitats. Thus, (C) matches with (IV).
4. Holes in 'Swiss cheese': The large holes in Swiss cheese are due to the production of large amounts of $CO_2$ gas by the bacterium {Propionibacterium sharmanii. Thus, (D) matches with (I).

Step 2: Summary of Matches:
(A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I).
This matches Option (B).