Question

Why are some molecules called bioactive molecules? Give two examples of two such molecules.

Answer 1

Hint: Some molecules produced by living organisms perform functions in the body of any other living organism by modifying its metabolism. These can be in the form of enzymes, chemical compounds, and organic acids.
The molecules which are produced as a result of microbial activities are known as Bioactive molecules. The examples of bioactive molecules are proteases, streptokinases, lipases, and pectinases. The bioactive molecules are generally produced for commercial sale and are useful in human welfare.

Complete answer:
- Organic acids produced by microbes: Some organic acids produced by microbial metabolic actions are Gluconic acid (by Penicillium and Aspergillus species); Gallic acid (by A. gallomyces) and Fumaric acid (by Rhizopus nigricans).
- Enzymes produced by microbes: Enzymes are the proteinaceous substance of biological origin and catalyze a specific biochemical reaction. Several enzymes have been commercially produced by metabolic activities of microbes, especially by different species of fungi such as Lipases (by Candida lipolytica); proteases, and pectinases (by Aspergillus niger); streptokinases (by Streptococcus).
Other bioactive molecules:
- Cyclosporin- A: It is produced by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum, which belongs to the group Deuteromycetes. It is used as an immunosuppressive agent in organ- transplant patients, to decrease the chances of failure of organ transplantation.
- Vitamins: These are organic micronutrients taken along with the food and regulate various metabolic activities of the body. Vitamin- C was the first vitamin to be produced by the fermentation process by a wild bacteria. Vitamin $B_12$ and vitamin K are synthesized by symbiotic bacteria found in the human gut. Vitamin $B_2$ is obtained by the activity of the mold, Ashbya gossypii, and bacterium Clostridium butyricum.
- The bioactive molecule, Statins, has been commercialized as cholesterol-lowering agents.

Note: Microbes are those living organisms that are microscopic. These belong to the kingdom Monera (e.g., Bacteria, cyanobacteria, actinomycetes, etc.), kingdom fungi (e.g., rusts, smuts, molds, etc.) and kingdom Protista (e.g., Protozoans).