Northern blot analysis is performed on cellular mRNA isolated from E. coli. The probe used in the northern blot analysis hybridizes to a portion of the lacY sequence. Below is an example of the gel from northern blot analysis for a wild-type lac⁺ bacterial strain. In this gel, lane 1 is from bacteria grown in a medium containing only glucose (minimal medium). Lane 2 is from bacteria in a medium containing only lactose. Following the style of this diagram, draw the gel appearance for northern blots of the bacteria listed below. In each case, lane 1 is for mRNA isolated after growth in a glucose-containing (minimal) medium, and lane 2 is for mRNA isolated after growth in a lactose-only medium.
lac⁻ bacteria with the genotype I⁺ P⁺ O⁺ Z⁻ Y⁺
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes
Lac Operon
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following is not a part of an operon?
A
Promoter
B
Repressor
C
Operator
D
Enhancer

1
Understand the concept of an operon: An operon is a functioning unit of genomic DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter. It is a key concept in prokaryotic gene regulation.
Identify the components of an operon: Typically, an operon includes a promoter, an operator, and one or more structural genes. The promoter is the site where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription. The operator is a segment of DNA that a repressor binds to, regulating the expression of the genes.
Clarify the role of a repressor: A repressor is a protein that can bind to the operator and inhibit transcription. It is not a physical part of the operon itself but interacts with it to control gene expression.
Define an enhancer: An enhancer is a DNA sequence that can increase the transcription of genes. It is typically found in eukaryotic cells and is not part of the operon structure, which is primarily a prokaryotic feature.
Conclude which element is not part of an operon: Based on the definitions and roles, the enhancer is not a component of an operon, as it is associated with eukaryotic gene regulation rather than prokaryotic operons.
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