Question

31. Many bacteria have operons, which are areas of the DNA with one regulatory region that controls multiple different genes. Why would a cell want to activate multiple genes all together instead of activating each gene individually? Make up an example.

Answer 1

The genes regulated by a single operon are often related in function, so is more efficient to activate them all at once instead of one by one. Is like having all of the tools and supplies for a given task in just one place.

A classic example of an operon is the lac operon, which allows bacteria to metabolize lactose when it's available. This operon contains 3 genes: one that produces an enzyme to break the lactose in glucose and galactose, a second one that helps the lactose enter the cell, and a third one that modifies a sugar similar to lactose.