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Multiple Choice
What happens to the repressor of the lac operon when lactose is not available?
A
The repressor is degraded, allowing transcription to proceed.
B
The repressor binds to lactose, activating transcription.
C
The repressor binds to the operator, preventing transcription.
D
The repressor undergoes a conformational change and detaches from the operator.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the lac operon: It is a set of genes involved in lactose metabolism in bacteria, regulated by the presence or absence of lactose.
Identify the function of the repressor: The lac repressor is a protein that can bind to the operator region of the lac operon, blocking RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes necessary for lactose metabolism.
Consider the scenario when lactose is not available: In the absence of lactose, the repressor remains bound to the operator, preventing transcription of the lac operon genes.
Recognize the effect of lactose presence: When lactose is present, it binds to the repressor, causing a conformational change that reduces the repressor's affinity for the operator, allowing transcription to proceed.
Conclude the correct answer: When lactose is not available, the repressor binds to the operator, preventing transcription, which aligns with the correct answer provided.