Question

To translate the three enzymes of the lac operon, ________ mRNA molecule(s) is/are transcribed.

A) 3 B) 0 C) 2 D) 4 E) 1

Answer 1

To translate the three enzymes of the lac operon, one mRNA molecule is transcribed, which includes genes lacZ, lacY, and lacA.

Step-by-step explanation:

To translate the three enzymes of the lac operon, one mRNA molecule is transcribed. The correct answer to the question is E) 1. The lac operon includes three structural genes: lacZ, lacY, and lacA. These genes are responsible for the absorption and metabolism of lactose in E. coli and are transcribed as a single mRNA strand when lactose is available and glucose is not present, allowing for coordinated expression of these genes. This operon mechanism allows the bacterium to efficiently manage its metabolic functions in response to the availability of sugars in the environment.