A mutation in the operator locus of lac operon that confers constituti...
A mutation in the operator locus of lac operon that confers constitutive expression of β-galactosidase is
cis dominant
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A mutation in the operator locus of lac operon that confers constituti...
The lac operon is called a lacOc mutation. This mutation results in the lac repressor protein being unable to bind to the operator region, leading to continuous expression of the lac operon even in the absence of lactose.
The lac operon is a group of genes involved in the metabolism of lactose in bacteria. It consists of three main components: the lacZ, lacY, and lacA genes, which encode for the enzymes β-galactosidase, lactose permease, and thiogalactoside transacetylase, respectively.
The lac repressor protein, encoded by the lacI gene, binds to the operator region of the lac operon and prevents the transcription of the lac genes in the absence of lactose. When lactose is present, it binds to the lac repressor protein, causing a conformational change that prevents it from binding to the operator region. This allows RNA polymerase to bind to the promoter region and initiate transcription of the lac genes.
In a lacOc mutation, a change occurs in the operator region that prevents the lac repressor protein from binding to it, even in the absence of lactose. This constitutive expression of the lac operon means that the lac genes are continuously transcribed and translated, resulting in the production of β-galactosidase, lactose permease, and thiogalactoside transacetylase regardless of the presence or absence of lactose.
The lacOc mutation can be beneficial in certain situations, as it allows bacteria to metabolize lactose even when it is not readily available. However, it can also have negative consequences, as the constant production of the lac enzymes may consume cellular resources and energy.