DNA
RNA Polymerase
Lac Operon
Regulatory Gene
Promoter
Operator
Enzyme Genes
mRNA used to make Repressor Protein
Repressor Protein
Lactose
The mRNA Transcript used to make the enzymes that break down lactose can now be produced.
In Prokaryotic Gene Regulation, bacteria respond to their environment by turning genes 'on' and 'off' to conserve resources. The Lac Operon controls the production of the enzymes that break down lactose.
Click on the Regulatory Gene to produce the repressor protein.
In Prokaryotic Gene Regulation, bacteria respond to their environment by turning genes 'on' and 'off' to conserve resources. The Lac Operon controls the production of the enzymes that break down lactose.
In Prokaryotic Gene Regulation, bacteria respond to their environment by turning genes 'on' and 'off' to conserve resources. The Lac Operon controls the production of the enzymes that break down lactose.
• The lactose enzyme genes will not be transcribed when the repressor protein is attached to the operator.
• The genes that lead to the production of enzymes that break down lactose are only active when lactose is present.
• The genes that lead to the production of enzymes that break down lactose are only active when lactose is present.