Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In the lac operon, the z gene codes beta-galactosidase which is p

Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In the lac operon, the z gene codes beta-galactosidase which is primarily responsible for the hydrolysis of lactose into galactose and glucose.
Statement II: In addition to lactose, glucose or galactose can also induce lac operon.
In the light of the above statements choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Accepted Answer

According to the text, the z gene codes for beta-galactosidase (-gal), which is responsible for the hydrolysis of lactose into galactose and glucose. Lactose acts as the substrate and regulates the switching on and off of the operon, hence it is termed as the inducer. Glucose and galactose do not act as inducers; in fact, the operon functions to utilise lactose when glucose (the preferred carbon source) is absent.

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