Chapter 13- Regulation of Gene Expression

Question 1

Identify the function of each component in the operon model.
Regulator Gene:

Answer 1

Codes for a DNA binding protein that acts as a repressor (located on the outside of the operon).
-The repressor protein determines if the operon is active or not.

Question 2

Identify the function of each component in the operon model.
Promoter:

Answer 2

Sequence of DNA where RNA polymerase attaches to begin transcription of the grouped genes.
-signals the start of the operon

Question 3

Identify the function of each component in the operon model.
Operator:

Answer 3

Sequence of DNA where an active repressor can bind (located before the structural genes)
-Prevents RNA polymerase from attaching to the promoter- blocks transcription

Question 4

Identify the function of each component in the operon model.
Structural Genes:

Answer 4

Genes coding for enzymes of a metabolic pathway- transcribed as a unit.