Final answer:
The trpA gene is part of the trp operon in auxotrophic E. coli, responsible for tryptophan synthesis. While the exact chromosomal minute position isn't provided, the operon can be found on E. coli's genetic map.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gene trpA is located within the tryptophan (trp) operon in an auxotrophic strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The trp operon is a cluster of genes responsible for the synthesis of the amino acid tryptophan. This operon is regulated based on the internal levels of tryptophan within the cell, with mechanisms in place to either activate or repress the transcription of these genes depending on the cellular need for tryptophan. In the context of E. coli's circular chromosome, the position of genes within the chromosome is often described in terms of minutes, where one minute corresponds to approximately 1/100th of the chromosome.
Historically, this unit was based on the time it took for genes to be transferred during conjugation. While the exact map position in minutes for the trp operon isn't specified in the provided information, the entire operon's location can be determined by referring to genetic maps of the E. coli chromosome.