Question

Beta-galactosidase, also known as lactase, is an enzyme produced by some bacteria to break down lactose, a sugar. The model shown here outlines the production of lactase, represented by product 3. Which statements accurately identify the role of enzymes in producing lactase, as shown here? Select ALL that apply. Responses

A The production of lactase increases the activity of the green enzyme.The production of lactase increases the activity of the green enzyme.
B The products of some reactions become the substrates for other enzymes in the process.The products of some reactions become the substrates for other enzymes in the process.
C The production of lactase involves multiple enzymes.The production of lactase involves multiple enzymes.
D The production of lactase requires two different enzymes and two different substrates.The production of lactase requires two different enzymes and two different substrates.
E The production of lactase requires multiple substrates.

Answer 1

The production of lactase involves multiple enzymes, and the products of some enzyme reactions become substrates for subsequent enzymatic reactions. However, lactase production itself does not directly increase the activity of another unrelated enzyme.

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta-galactosidase, commonly referred to as lactase, is an enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose. The production of lactase is a complex process that involves multiple enzymes and substrates. This intricate mechanism ensures that organisms like bacteria can effectively utilize lactose as a source of energy.

Looking at the role of enzymes in producing lactase, we see that the production of lactase involves multiple enzymes (Statement C). This is because the lac operon, which includes the lacZ gene, is responsible for encoding the enzymes needed for lactose metabolization. Moreover, the products of some reactions become the substrates for other enzymes in the pathway (Statement B), exemplifying the interconnected nature of metabolic processes. Lastly, it is important to note that enzymes like lactase work on specific substrates and are produced as a response to the presence of those substrates. Thus, the production of lactase would not increase the activity of another enzyme that is unrelated (Statement A), and whether lactase production requires two different enzymes and substrates (as stated in D) would be dependent on the specific metabolic context and pathway outlined.