The Lac Operon

A Model of How a Gene May be Regulated

The DNA within each cell contains thousands of genes. However, at any given time,
only a small percentage of the genes are having their code being transcribed.
Generally, only those genes which have to do with the particular cell type are
transcribed on a regular basis within that cell.
As an example, for skin cells, only the genes having to do with making the cell a skin
cell are transcribed. Those genes having to do with making nerve or blood cell
proteins are "switched" off!
How then do the genes on a strand of DNA know when to be on or off?

Repressors: 'OFF' switches

Only genes that are directly needed are transcribed, others are ignored.
Lac Operon: Section of DNA with a promoter/operator in bacteria that acts as an
on/off switch for several genes that control the breakdown of the sugar lactose into
glucose + galactose.

 Promoter: DNA section where RNA polymerase binds.

 Operator: DNA section where repressor binds
 Structural gene: Gene that makes an enzyme or other protein
 Regulator gene: A gene not found next to the operon that makes a repressor
protein.
 Repressor: protein that shuts off operon. If bound to operator, it prevents RNA
polymerase from initiating transcription.

Negative feedback system

1. Repressor protein (always present) binds to operator.

2. RNA polymerase is not allowed to move to structural gene as the repressor
blocks its path.
3. mRNA transcription is stopped, and thus enzyme production stops.
4. This feedback system occurs when lactose concentration in cell is low.

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Activators: 'ON' switches

1. Transcriptional activator: binds to DNA, holds RNA polymerase against

promoter so transcription occurs.
2. Activator protein binds to promoter. The activator is partly a molecule found
only when energy is needed (because glucose levels are low).
3. RNA polymerase now stays on promoter.
4. RNA polymerase transcribes the structural genes

Positive Feedback & the Lac Operon

1. Activator (lactose) binds to repressor, changes its shape & it pops off operator.
2. RNA polymerase binds to promoter and can now move past operator.
3. RNA polymerase transcribes mRNA from structural gene.
4. mRNA moves to ribosome where translation synthesizes the enzyme.
5. The enzyme now breaks down the abundant lactose to glucose + galactose.

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