What would occur if the repressor of an inducible operon were mutated so it could not bind the operator?
a. Irreversible binding of the repressor to the promoter
b. Reduced transcription of the operon's genes
c. Buildup of a substrate for the pathway controlled by the operon
d. Continuous transcription of the operon's genes

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of a repressor in an inducible operon: In an inducible operon, the repressor protein binds to the operator region to prevent transcription. When an inducer molecule is present, it binds to the repressor, causing it to change shape and release from the operator, allowing transcription to proceed.
2. Consider the effect of a mutation that prevents the repressor from binding to the operator: If the repressor cannot bind to the operator, it cannot block RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes in the operon.
3. Analyze the consequences of continuous transcription: Without the repressor binding to the operator, RNA polymerase can continuously transcribe the operon's genes, leading to the production of mRNA and, subsequently, the proteins encoded by the operon.
4. Evaluate the options given in the problem: Option a (irreversible binding of the repressor to the promoter) is incorrect because the mutation prevents binding. Option b (reduced transcription) is incorrect because transcription would increase. Option c (buildup of a substrate) is not directly related to the mutation's effect on transcription. Option d (continuous transcription) aligns with the expected outcome of the mutation.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is option d: The mutation results in continuous transcription of the operon's genes, as the repressor cannot bind to the operator to inhibit transcription.

Key Concepts

Inducible Operon

An inducible operon is a segment of DNA that includes genes regulated by a repressor protein. In its default state, the repressor binds to the operator, preventing transcription. When an inducer molecule is present, it binds to the repressor, causing it to release from the operator, allowing transcription to proceed. This system is typically used to regulate genes involved in catabolic pathways.

Repressor Protein

A repressor protein is a regulatory protein that binds to the operator region of an operon, inhibiting the transcription of downstream genes. In inducible operons, the repressor is inactivated by an inducer, allowing gene expression. If a mutation prevents the repressor from binding to the operator, the genes may be transcribed continuously, as the repressor cannot block RNA polymerase.

Operator Region

The operator is a segment of DNA within an operon where the repressor protein binds to regulate gene expression. It acts as a switch that can turn gene transcription on or off. In inducible operons, the presence of an inducer prevents the repressor from binding to the operator, thus allowing transcription. A mutation that prevents repressor binding would result in continuous gene transcription.