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Multiple Choice
The lac repressor is inactivated by binding to which of the following molecules?
A
Lactose
B
Glucose
C
Allolactose
D
Galactose
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the lac repressor in the lac operon system. The lac repressor is a protein that binds to the operator region of the lac operon, preventing transcription of downstream genes involved in lactose metabolism.
Identify the molecule that inactivates the lac repressor. In the presence of lactose, a small amount is converted into allolactose, which acts as an inducer.
Recognize that allolactose binds to the lac repressor, causing a conformational change that reduces its affinity for the operator region.
This binding of allolactose to the lac repressor prevents the repressor from binding to the operator, allowing RNA polymerase to transcribe the genes necessary for lactose metabolism.
Conclude that allolactose is the molecule responsible for inactivating the lac repressor, enabling the expression of genes required for the utilization of lactose.