The light-producing genes of V. fischeri are organized in an operon that is under positive control by an activator protein called LuxR. Would you expect the genes of this operon to be transcribed when LuxR is bound or not bound to a DNA regulatory sequence? Explain.

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1. Understand the role of LuxR: LuxR is an activator protein, which means it facilitates the transcription of genes by helping RNA polymerase initiate transcription when it is bound to a DNA regulatory sequence.
2. Identify the control mechanism: Since the operon is under positive control by LuxR, the presence of LuxR bound to the DNA enhances the transcription of the genes within the operon.
3. Consider the effect of LuxR binding: When LuxR is bound to the DNA regulatory sequence, it activates the transcription of the light-producing genes in the operon of V. fischeri.
4. Analyze the scenario when LuxR is not bound: If LuxR is not bound to the DNA regulatory sequence, the operon will not be actively transcribed because the positive control by LuxR is absent, leading to low or no transcription of the light-producing genes.
5. Conclude the transcription status: Based on the role of LuxR as an activator in positive control, you would expect the genes of this operon to be transcribed when LuxR is bound to a DNA regulatory sequence.