The E. coli lac operon encodes three genes. These genes ____.
A) cleave lactose into glucose and galactose, produce transacetylase, and actively transport lactose into the cell
B) encode an enzyme that cleaves glucose, a transport protein for active transport, and a transacetylase enzyme for solubilizing lactose in the cytosol
C) encode an enzyme that cleaves lactose, a transport protein for active transport of lactose, and a transacetylase enzyme whose function is unknown
D) catalyze the synthesis of lactose from glucose and galactose, produce transacetylase, and actively export lactose from the cell
E) directly interact with the Lac repressor and initiate their own transcription

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The E. coli lac operon encodes three genes responsible for the utilization of lactose: β-galactosidase, which cleaves lactose into glucose and galactose; lactose permease, a transport protein for the active transport of lactose into the cell; and a transacetylase, whose exact function in lactose metabolism is not well understood.

The E Coli Lac Operon Encodes Three Genes