The lac operon in prokaryotes illustrates the switching off and on of genes - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 26 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 26
The lac operon in prokaryotes illustrates the switching off and on of genes.
The operator within the lac operon
A. is a regulatory gene.
B. attaches RNA polymerase.
... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The lac operon in prokaryotes illustrates the switching off and on of genes - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 26 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. is a regulatory gene.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
This statement is incorrect. The operator itself is not a regulatory gene; rather, it functions as a control element.
Step 2
B. attaches RNA polymerase.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
This statement is also incorrect. The operator does not directly attach RNA polymerase. Instead, the promoter is responsible for this attachment.
Step 3
C. codes for the production of an enzyme.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
This statement is false. The operator does not code for any enzyme; it regulates the transcription of genes coding for enzymes.
Step 4
D. is the binding site for the repressor protein.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
This statement is correct. The operator is indeed the binding site for the repressor protein, which prevents transcription when it binds.
