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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the biological role of the lac operon in E. coli?
A
It is responsible for the synthesis of ribosomal RNA.
B
It controls the replication of the bacterial chromosome.
C
It regulates the metabolism of lactose by controlling the expression of genes involved in lactose uptake and breakdown.
D
It is involved in the synthesis of amino acids.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the lac operon: The lac operon is a set of genes in E. coli that are involved in the metabolism of lactose. It includes genes that code for proteins necessary for the uptake and breakdown of lactose.
Identify the components: The lac operon consists of three structural genes (lacZ, lacY, and lacA), a promoter, an operator, and a repressor. The lacZ gene encodes β-galactosidase, which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
Regulation mechanism: The lac operon is regulated by the presence or absence of lactose. In the absence of lactose, a repressor protein binds to the operator, preventing transcription. When lactose is present, it binds to the repressor, causing a conformational change that releases the repressor from the operator, allowing transcription.
Role in lactose metabolism: The primary biological role of the lac operon is to regulate the expression of genes involved in the uptake and breakdown of lactose, enabling E. coli to utilize lactose as an energy source when it is available.
Conclusion: Based on the understanding of the lac operon's function, the best description of its biological role is that it regulates the metabolism of lactose by controlling the expression of genes involved in lactose uptake and breakdown.