Question

1. Suppose the synthesis of an amino acid was accomplished by four enzymes encoded by four genes that formed an operon. Draw a model of the operon showing how it could be controlled by negative regulation both at the level of transcription initiation and elongation via attenuation.

Answer 1

I have attached lac operon model having 4 genes. See attachment for better understanding.

Answer:

The Lac operon is controlled by two signals.

Initiation

Glucose and lactose concentrations control the initiation of transcription of the Lac operon through their effects on the Lac repressor protein and Cap.

Lactose absent (Repression)

When lactose is absent, the Lac repressor binds the Lac operator and shuts off expression of the operon.

Lactose present (Transcription)

Addition of lactose increases the intracellular concentration of a related compound, allolactose. allolactose binds to the Lac repressor, causing it to undergo a conformational change that releases its grip on the operator DNa.

Glucose absent (Repression)

When glucose is absent, cyclic aMp (red triangle) is produced by the cell and Cap binds to DNA.

Glucose present (Transcription)

LacZ, the first gene of the operon, encodes the enzyme b-galactosidase, which breaks down lactose to galactose and glucose.