Final answer:
Scientists study operons by reading the genome sequence, which provides insight into the structure and regulation of operons, such as the well-studied lac operon in E. coli.
Step-by-step explanation:
One way scientists are able to study operons in organisms such as E. coli is by reading the genome sequence. Reading the genome sequence allows scientists to decode the organizational structure of the operons, which includes the promoter, operator, and the structural genes that make up the operon's transcription unit. For instance, the lac operon includes a promoter, an operator, and three genes that encode the enzymes needed to digest lactose.
By analyzing the nucleotide sequence and understanding the regulatory mechanisms, scientists can determine the presence and control mechanisms of different operons. This may involve studying how a repressor protein binds to the operator to prevent transcription or how an inducer interacts to allow transcription, reflecting either repression or induction of gene expression.