Seekh Logo

AI-powered learning platform providing comprehensive practice questions, detailed explanations, and interactive study tools across multiple subjects.

Explore Subjects

Sciences
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
Humanities
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Philosophy

Learning Tools

  • Study Library
  • Practice Quizzes
  • Flashcards
  • Study Summaries
  • Q&A Bank
  • PDF to Quiz Converter
  • Video Summarizer
  • Smart Flashcards

Support

  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Pricing

© 2025 Seekh Education. All rights reserved.

Seekh Logo
HomeHomework HelpbiologyProkaryotic Gene Regulation

Prokaryotic Gene Regulation

Prokaryotic gene regulation, exemplified by the lac operon, refers to the mechanisms by which bacteria control the expression of genes involved in lactose metabolism, allowing them to efficiently respond to the presence or absence of lactose in their environment through the coordinated action of regulatory proteins and RNA polymerase. The lac operon consists of structural genes, a promoter, and an operator, which together facilitate the transcription of genes only when lactose is available and glucose is scarce.

intermediate
2 hours
Biology
0 views this week
Study FlashcardsQuick Summary
0

Overview

The lac operon is a classic example of gene regulation in prokaryotes, specifically in E. coli, where it allows the bacteria to metabolize lactose when it is available. This operon consists of structural genes, a promoter, and an operator, which work together to control the expression of genes based...

Quick Links

Study FlashcardsQuick SummaryPractice Questions

Key Terms

Operon
A group of genes regulated together, functioning as a single unit.

Example: The lac operon consists of genes that help metabolize lactose.

Inducer
A molecule that initiates gene expression by disabling a repressor.

Example: Lactose acts as an inducer for the lac operon.

Repressor
A protein that inhibits gene expression by binding to the operator region.

Example: The lac repressor binds to the operator to block transcription.

cAMP
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a signaling molecule that regulates various cellular processes.

Example: High levels of cAMP enhance the activity of CAP in the lac operon.

CAP
Catabolite Activator Protein, which helps activate the lac operon in the presence of cAMP.

Example: CAP binds to the promoter to facilitate RNA polymerase binding.

Transcription
The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Example: Transcription of the lac operon occurs when lactose is present.

Related Topics

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
Explores how gene expression is regulated in eukaryotic cells, which is more complex than in prokaryotes.
advanced
Gene Cloning Techniques
Covers methods used to clone genes, including the use of the lac operon as a model system.
intermediate
Metabolic Pathways
Discusses how different metabolic pathways interact and are regulated, including those involving lactose.
intermediate

Key Concepts

lac operon structureinducible genesrepressor proteinscAMP and CAP