:

Expression of Biological
Information
 6.0 Expression of Biological
Information

6.1 DNA and genetic information

6.2 DNA replication
6.3 Protein synthesis: transcription and
translation
6.4 Gene regulation and expression – Lac
operon
 6.0 Expression of Biological
Information

6.1 DNA and genetic information

6.2 DNA replication
6.3 Protein synthesis: transcription and
translation
6.4 Gene regulation and expression – Lac
operon
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Explain the concept of operon and gene regulation

The Jacob-Monod hypothesis of

gene control

4 Protein synthesis is
regulated by operon
system

4 Involved operon which

consists of :
i. Promoter
ii operator
iii Structural genes
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Explain the concept of operon and gene regulation

The Jacob-Monod hypothesis of

gene control

4 Operon is controlled
by regulator gene
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the components of Lac opeon and its function in E.coli

i. Regulator gene (R) / Lac I– contain genetic

information for the synthesis of
________________
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the components of Lac opeon and its function in E.coli

ii.Promoter (P) – site for the attachment of

___________________
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the components of Lac opeon and its function in E.coli

iii. Operator (O) – site for the attachment of the

repressor protein
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the components of Lac opeon and its function in E.coli

iv. Structural genes (S) – One to several genes

determining the amino acids sequence of the protein
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Explain the concept of operon and gene regulation

The Jacob-Monod hypothesis of

gene control

• The structural genes for coding

• gene z (S1) - β-galactosidase
• gene y (S2) - permease
• gene a (S3)- transacetylase
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Explain the concept of operon and gene regulation

The Jacob-Monod hypothesis of gene control

a)ß-galactosidase
- converts ________into
___________
b)permease
- transports l______ into
the cell
c) transacetylase
- function unknown
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the mechanism of the operon in the absence and presence of lactose

The lac operon (lactose present)

• Allolactose, an isomer formed from lactose,

binds to the repressor and form allolactose-
repressor complex
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the mechanism of the operon in the absence and presence of lactose

The lac operon (lactose present)

• The repressor protein changes shape

• So it cannot bind to the operator
• The operon is activated.
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the mechanism of the operon in the absence and presence of lactose

The lac operon (lactose present)

• RNA polymerase binds to the promoter

• Structural genes are expressed, producing enzymes
to metabolize lactose
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the mechanism of the operon in the absence and presence of lactose

The lac operon (lactose absent)

• Absence of lactose, the repressor protein

encoded by the regulatory gene attaches to the
operator.
Learning Outcomes :
6.4 Describe the mechanism of the operon in the absence and presence of lactose

The lac operon (lactose absent)

• RNA polymerase cannot bind to the promoter

• no transcrption occur
• so no enzyme is produced