Q.60 Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Atherosclerosis can be caused due to HDL-cholesterol accumulation.
Statement II: Statins inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis.
In the light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
1. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
2. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
3. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
4. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Correct Answer: Option 4 – Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
Atherosclerosis Basics
Atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup in arteries from LDL-cholesterol and other lipids, not HDL. HDL acts protectively by removing excess cholesterol via reverse transport, reducing cardiovascular risk. Low HDL levels link to higher disease risk, while accumulation does not cause it.
Statement I Analysis
Statement I claims atherosclerosis results from HDL-cholesterol accumulation, which is incorrect. HDL inversely correlates with atherosclerosis; higher levels prevent plaque by scavenging cholesterol from vessels. LDL accumulation drives foam cell formation and inflammation instead.
Statement II Analysis
Statement II correctly states statins inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. They competitively block HMG-CoA reductase, the key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, lowering blood cholesterol. Produced commercially from yeast like Monascus purpureus, statins reduce cardiovascular events effectively.
Options Breakdown
| Option | Description | Correct? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Both true | Both statements accurate | No | Statement I false; HDL protective |
| 2. Both false | Neither statement accurate | No | Statement II true; statins inhibit synthesis |
| 3. I true, II false | Only first correct | No | Statement I false; II correct |
| 4. I false, II true | Second correct only | Yes | Matches facts on HDL and statins |
Exam Prep Tips
For NEET or biology exams, recall HDL as “good” cholesterol versus atherogenic LDL. Statins target liver cholesterol production, key in biotech/microbes-in-welfare chapters. Practice similar assertion-reason questions on lipid metabolism.
