Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes
Lac Operon
Problem 6
Textbook Question
For the genotypes and conditions (lactose present or absent) shown in the following table, predict whether functional enzymes, nonfunctional enzymes, or no enzymes are made.

1
Identify the key components involved in lactose metabolism, such as the lac operon, which includes the genes lacZ, lacY, and lacA.
Understand the role of the lac operon: it is responsible for the production of enzymes necessary for lactose metabolism, and its expression is regulated by the presence or absence of lactose.
Determine the genotype of the organism: identify whether the genes in the lac operon are wild-type or have mutations that could affect enzyme production.
Consider the environmental condition: check if lactose is present or absent, as this will influence whether the lac operon is activated or repressed.
Predict the outcome: based on the genotype and the presence or absence of lactose, determine if functional enzymes, nonfunctional enzymes, or no enzymes will be produced.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Genotype
A genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, specifically the alleles present at a given locus. In the context of lactose metabolism, genotypes can determine whether an individual can produce the enzyme lactase, which is necessary for digesting lactose. Understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype is crucial for predicting enzyme functionality.
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Enzyme Functionality
Enzyme functionality refers to the ability of an enzyme to catalyze a biochemical reaction. In this case, the presence of functional lactase enzymes allows for the breakdown of lactose into glucose and galactose. If the genotype leads to a nonfunctional enzyme or no enzyme production, lactose cannot be digested, resulting in lactose intolerance.
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Environmental Influence on Gene Expression
Environmental factors, such as the presence or absence of lactose, can influence gene expression and enzyme production. In some organisms, the availability of lactose can trigger the expression of the lactase gene, leading to the production of functional enzymes. Understanding this interaction is essential for predicting the outcomes based on the given conditions in the question.
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