The lac operon in E. coli is responsible for the transcription of genes necessary for the metabolism of lactose. When lactose is absent, a repressor protein binds to the operator region of the operon, preventing RNA polymerase from accessing the promoter and initiating transcription of the downstream genes. In the presence of lactose, the repressor is inactivated, allowing RNA polymerase to bind to the promoter and transcribe the genes needed for lactose metabolism. This regulation ensures that the cell conserves energy by only producing the enzymes for lactose breakdown when the substrate is available.
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..
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