Structure of the lac Operon
Parts of the operon and their functions - Click the button to locate each part
  • Repressor Gene - Produces a repressor protein that fits in the operator to turn the operon off
  • Promoter - RNA polymerase attaches here to begin transcription of the genes
  • Operator - The active repressor fits in notches to block RNA polymerase and turn off transcription.
  • Structural Genes - Metabolic pathway genes with code for enzymes to digest lacotse
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