What is the function of the genes in the lac operon?

1 Answer
Joëlle
Jul 25, 2016

They code for enzymes that metabolize lactose.

Explanation:

There are three genes in the lac operon that code for enzymes that aid in the metabolism of lactose:

  1. beta-galactosidase (lacZ): converts lactose into glucose and galactose
  2. beta-galactoside permease (lacY): transports lactose into the cell
  3. beta-galactoside transacetylase (lacA): adds acetyl-group to galactose (function still unknown)

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