Final answer:
LexA binds to SOS boxes in the SOS response pathway, controlling the expression of DNA repair genes in bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
LexA is a protein that plays a critical role in the SOS response pathway, which is a regulatory network in bacteria that is induced by DNA damage. In the SOS response, LexA acts as a repressor by binding to specific DNA sequences known as SOS boxes present in the promoters of SOS genes. When DNA damage occurs, the RecA protein is activated and facilitates the self-cleavage of LexA, leading to the derepression of SOS genes involved in DNA repair and cellular recovery processes.