Question

What is the function of the lacZ gene?

a. This gene encodes an enzyme, galactoside permease, which transports lactose into the cell.
b. This gene encodes an enzyme, b-galactosidase, that cleaves lactose into two glucose molecules.
c. This gene encodes an enzyme, b-galactosidase, which cleaves lactose into glucose and galactose.
d. This gene encodes the repressor of the lac operon.

Answer 1

The lacZ gene encodes the enzyme β-galactosidase, which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, playing a crucial role in lactose metabolism in bacteria such as E. coli.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the lacZ gene is to encode an enzyme called β-galactosidase, which is responsible for cleaving the disaccharide lactose into its monosaccharide components, glucose and galactose. This process is an essential step in the metabolism of lactose by bacteria such as E. coli. When lactose is present in the environment, E. coli can use the lac operon system to express the lacZ gene, along with other genes necessary for the utilization of lactose as a carbon source, such as the lacY gene for lactose permease and the lacA gene for transacetylase.

Answer 2

the answer is c

Step-by-step explanation:

The lacZ gene encodes an enzyme called β-galactosidase, which is responsible for splitting lactose (a disaccharide) into readily usable glucose and galactose (monosaccharides). The lacY gene encodes a membrane protein called lactose permease, which is a transmembrane "pump" that allows the cell to import lactose.