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Ch. 16 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria
Chapter 16, Problem 6

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.

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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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