Asked by Corinna Ragsdale on Jun 23, 2024
Verified
In Jacob and Monad's analysis of mutant E. coli strains in their study of the lac operon, the absence of the β-galactosidase enzyme, but presence of the lactose permease and galactosidase transacetylase enzymes, indicated that the mutation occurred in the _____ of the lac operon.
A) regulatory region
B) lacZ gene
C) lacA gene
D) lacY gene
E) heterochromatin
β-galactosidase Enzyme
An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of β-galactosides into monosaccharides, primarily involved in lactose breakdown.
Lac Operon
A gene regulatory mechanism in bacteria where the metabolism of lactose is controlled by the interaction of several genes and protein products.
Mutation
A change in the DNA sequence within an organism's genome, which can lead to variations in physical appearance, function, or behavior.
- Recognize the experimental approaches used to understand gene expression, including the study of mutant strains.
Verified Answer
JS
Jovan SandovalJun 28, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The lacZ gene encodes the β-galactosidase enzyme. Therefore, a mutation in the lacZ gene would result in the absence of β-galactosidase activity while not affecting the production of lactose permease and galactosidase transacetylase, which are encoded by the lacY and lacA genes, respectively.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the experimental approaches used to understand gene expression, including the study of mutant strains.