Which molecule acts as the inducer of the lac operon?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Allolactose
Although lactose is the substrate, the actual inducer of the lac operon is allolactose — an isomer formed from lactose by the low-level activity of beta-galactosidase. Allolactose binds to the lac repressor, causing a conformational change that releases it from the operator.
Practice all 20 Gene Regulation: Operons and Epigenetics questions
Keep practicing
More Gene Regulation: Operons and Epigenetics questions
- The trp operon is classified as a:
- In the trp operon, high levels of tryptophan result in:
- Which component of an operon contains the coding sequences for enzymes?
- Catabolite repression in the lac operon is mediated by:
- Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression that occur without changes in:
- DNA methylation typically leads to: