In clinical biotechnology and therapeutic enzymology, microbially produced streptokinase is administered for which primary medical purpose?

Introduction / Context:
Streptokinase is a bacterial protein used as a thrombolytic (clot-dissolving) drug in emergency medicine, especially for acute myocardial infarction and certain cases of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. Understanding its clinical role distinguishes medical biotechnology applications from industrial enzyme uses in food or detergents.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The enzyme named is streptokinase, produced by Streptococcus species.
• Context implies therapeutic use in humans.
• Options include non-medical uses to test conceptual clarity.

Concept / Approach:
Streptokinase forms a complex with plasminogen, converting it to plasmin, a broad-spectrum protease that degrades fibrin within clots. By promoting fibrinolysis, streptokinase reopens occluded coronary arteries, restoring perfusion and limiting myocardial damage. This mechanism is distinct from enzymes used in juice clarification (e.g., pectinases) or laundry (e.g., proteases, lipases), and from amylases used to hydrolyze starch in food processing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify streptokinase as a thrombolytic agent derived from bacteria.Recall its mechanism: streptokinase + plasminogen → plasmin → fibrin degradation.Match mechanism to clinical indication: dissolving intravascular thrombi in coronary arteries.Exclude industrial enzyme applications unrelated to clot lysis.Select the option describing dissolution of blood clots in coronary blockages.

Verification / Alternative check:
Thrombolytic guidelines list streptokinase (along with alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase) for early reperfusion therapy. Adverse effects like bleeding and antigenicity also align with its proteolytic, non-human origin.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Remove spots from laundry products: Detergents use bacterial proteases, not streptokinase for fibrinolysis.Clarify fruit juice: Pectinases and cellulases are typical; streptokinase is not used.Break down starch: Amylases hydrolyze starch; streptokinase targets fibrin via plasmin generation.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “enzyme” as a generic term for all industrial uses; medical thrombolytics are distinct, with strict dosing and indications. Do not conflate streptokinase with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which directly activates plasminogen and is human or recombinant in origin.

Final Answer:
Dissolve blood clots in patients with coronary artery blockages