Question

A compound known as X-gal is widely used in molecular genetic research. When wild-type (normal) E. coli is grown on medium containing X-gal, the bacterial colonies turn blue. In contrast, when lacZ mutants are grown on medium containing X-gal, the bacterial colonies remain their normal white color. X-gal is likely to be a compound ________.

Answer 1

X-gal is likely to be a compound chemically similar to lactose.