Minh-Thy Barsell

BIOL 294
October 3rd, 2021

Lac Operon Assignment

Draw and describe the regulation of the Escherichia coli lac operon in the following situations:

1. In the absence of lactose (disregard presence or absence of glucose).

2. In the presence of lactose (disregard presence or absence of glucose).

3. In the absence of glucose (disregard the presence or absence of lactose).

4. In the presence of glucose AND the presence of lactose.

Minh-Thy Barsell
BIOL 294
October 3rd, 2021

Lac Operon Assignment

Finally, describe where in the process of gene expression (transcription, post-transcription, translation,
post-translation) this regulation takes place.

Regulation of gene expression controls which genes in a cell’s DNA is expressed. Gene
regulation can occur at any step, including transcription, post-transcription, translation, or post-
translation. However, in the regulation of the Escherichia coli lac operon, it mainly takes place
during transcription.