What is the function of the genes in the lac operon?

1 Answer
Joëlle
Jul 25, 2016

They code for enzymes that metabolize lactose.

Explanation:

There are three genes in the lac operon that code for enzymes that aid in the metabolism of lactose:

  1. #beta#-galactosidase (lacZ): converts lactose into glucose and galactose
  2. #beta#-galactoside permease (lacY): transports lactose into the cell
  3. #beta#-galactoside transacetylase (lacA): adds acetyl-group to galactose (function still unknown)

http://classes.midlandstech.edu/carterp/Courses/bio225/chap08/Microbial%20Genetics%204.htm

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