Question

If the AraC protein were to function as a gene repressor when it binds arabinose, would there be high or low transcription levels when arabinose is present?

Answer 1

When arabinose is present, the AraC protein does not function as a gene repressor, leading to high transcription levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

When arabinose is present, it binds to the AraC protein, forming a complex. This complex then binds to the initiator site to promote transcription. Since the AraC protein functions as a gene repressor when it is not bound to arabinose, the presence of arabinose will prevent the AraC protein from acting as a repressor. As a result, there will be high transcription levels when arabinose is present.