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Multiple Choice
Which of the following occurs as a result of an abundance of tryptophan in E. coli?
A
Increased synthesis of tryptophan
B
Activation of the lac operon
C
Induction of the trp operon
D
Repression of the trp operon
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the trp operon in E. coli: The trp operon is a group of genes that are involved in the synthesis of tryptophan. It is regulated by the availability of tryptophan in the environment.
Recognize the mechanism of operon regulation: In E. coli, the trp operon is subject to negative feedback regulation. When tryptophan levels are high, it acts as a corepressor, binding to the trp repressor protein.
Explain the effect of tryptophan binding: When tryptophan binds to the trp repressor, the repressor changes shape and becomes active. This active repressor can then bind to the operator region of the trp operon.
Describe the outcome of repressor binding: The binding of the repressor to the operator prevents RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes in the trp operon, leading to repression of tryptophan synthesis.
Conclude the process: Therefore, an abundance of tryptophan results in the repression of the trp operon, reducing the synthesis of tryptophan in E. coli.