# DBT JRF 2022 — Question 148

Exam: DBT JRF 2022 · Section: B · Topic: Marine Biotechnology › Marine Bioactive Compounds - Chondroitin · Difficulty: Medium

## Question

Ground shark cartilage ointment is popular for its role in fast wound recovery. The active ingredient primarily responsible for this function is:

## Options

- **A.** N-acetylglucosamine
- **B.** Hydroxyproline
- **C.** Dihydroxyproline
- **D.** 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)

## Answer

Option A

## Explanation

N-acetylglucosamine in shark cartilage for wound healing: Shark cartilage has been used in traditional medicine and wound care products. The primary active component for wound healing is N-acetylglucosamine (NAG): • NAG is an amino sugar (monosaccharide derived from glucose with an acetylated amino group). • It is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs): hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate. • Hyaluronic acid (HA) is essential for: - Extracellular matrix hydration and scaffolding - Promoting cell migration and proliferation during wound healing - Growth factor binding and presentation • NAG directly promotes fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Other answer options: • Hydroxyproline/Dihydroxyproline: modified amino acids in collagen; not specific to shark cartilage wound healing. • DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine): the adhesive compound in mussels (Mytilus), not shark cartilage. Answer: N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) from shark cartilage promotes wound healing as a precursor for hyaluronic acid and GAGs.

Source: https://mypyqbuddy.com/questions/ground-shark-cartilage-ointment-is-popular-for-its-6a104cd5920734408bc0c7a3