If a bacteria is placed in an environment that contains both glucose and lactose, the regulation of the lac operon will allow which nutrient to be processed first?
A) Glucose
B) Lactose
C) Both will be processed equally
D) Neither will be processed in this environment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The regulation of the lac operon ensures that glucose is processed first because it is a more efficient energy source for the bacteria. When glucose is present, it binds to the lac repressor protein, preventing it from binding to the operator and therefore allowing transcription of the lac operon. However, when glucose is depleted, the lac repressor is no longer bound to glucose and can bind to the operator, turning on the lac operon and allowing the bacterium to use lactose as an alternative energy source.

If a Bacteria Is Placed in an Environment That Contains