The lac operon in E. coli is responsible for the metabolism of lactose by encoding enzymes that facilitate its breakdown. In the absence of lactose, a repressor protein binds to the operator region of the operon, preventing RNA polymerase from binding and thus blocking transcription of the genes required for lactose metabolism. When lactose is present, it acts as an inducer by binding to the repressor, causing it to release from the operator. This allows RNA polymerase to access the promoter and transcribe the genes necessary for lactose utilization.
The lactose (lac) operon in E. coli is a gene that helps break down lactose in the cell. If there is no lactose present, the operon is repressed. In 3-5 sentences, explain how the lac operon is used and repressed in cells. Use the following words in your response: operon, operator, repressor, RNA polymerase, and transcribe/transcription.
(4 points)
1 answer