What does different concentrations of glucose do to the induction of ßgalactosidase by lactose?
Ans: The structural gene called LacZ of the lac operon is responsible for the production of the enzyme beta-galactosidase. This enzyme converts lactose into glucose and galactose. The process of transcription starts only when lactose is present or externally supplemented in the culture medium. When a culture medium is supplemented with different concentrations of glucose, there would be lowered beta-galactosidase enzyme activity. So, the lac operon would be unable to transcribe the LacZ gene (or basal level of transcription may occur) and as a result, its concentration would be very less in the medium. The bacterial cells readily start to utilize glucose. Such type of effect is also referred to as glucose effect.
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