Question

The tryptophan operon produces proteins that are involved in the biosynthesis of tryptophan. Like some other biosynthetic operons it is regulated by the final ______of the biosynthetic pathway, which _____transcription of the operon.

Answer 1

The tryptophan operon is regulated by the final product of the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway, which represses transcription of the operon. When tryptophan is present, it binds to the trp repressor and blocks RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes. Conversely, when tryptophan is absent, the operon is active.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tryptophan operon is regulated by the final product of the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway, which represses transcription of the operon.

When tryptophan is present in the cell, it binds to the trp repressor molecule, causing it to change shape and bind to the trp operator. This blocks RNA polymerase from transcribing the structural genes, stopping expression of the operon.

On the other hand, when tryptophan is not present, the trp repressor does not bind to the operator, allowing RNA polymerase to transcribe the genes and produce tryptophan.