question_answer

Why some molecules called bioactive molecules? Give two examples of such molecules with their uses.

Answer:

Bioactive molecules are those molecules which are biologically active. These can be antibiotics, enzymes or vitamins.

(a) Cyclosporin A: It is used as immunosuppressive agent in organ transplant patients. It is produced by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum.

(b) Statin: It is produced by the yeast (Monascus purpureus) and has been used as blood cholesterol lowering agent. The manner of its working is that, it shows competitive inhibition, with the enzyme responsible for synthesi of cholesterol.