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Question #46581
The Question
A municipal sewage treatment plant experiences a massive failure in its secondary treatment phase due to a heavy influx of antifungal and antibacterial pharmaceutical runoff. Consequently, the formation of 'flocs' is inhibited, leading to the local extinction of a specific fungal species naturally found in such organic-rich environments. Assuming this locally extinct fungus is the same species commercially exploited to produce a critical medication for organ transplant patients, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding this scenario?
Options
- A.
The disrupted biological process primarily relies on heterotrophic microbes naturally present in the sewage.
- B.
The locally extinct fungus is Trichoderma polysporum, which produces a bioactive molecule that acts as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase.
- C.
The failure of floc formation prevents the significant reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the aeration tanks.
- D.
The pharmaceutical runoff acted as an anthropogenic selective pressure, disrupting the heterotrophic microbial colonization essential for activated sludge formation.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Activated Sludge Inoculum|Cyclosporin A Immunomodulation|Primary Succession Facilitation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Functional Overlap Trap: Students often confuse the source organisms and exact mechanisms of bioactive molecules in NCERT's 'Microbes in Human Welfare'.
The conceptual pivot requires identifying the fungus via its clinical use (organ transplant = Cyclosporin A = Trichoderma polysporum) and recognizing that HMG-CoA reductase inhibition belongs to Statins (Monascus purpureus).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Activated Sludge Inoculum |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |