3C.

2 INTERACTIONS: GENES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Define operon

Operon is a unit of linked genes which regulates other genes responsible for protein synthesis

2. Describe the effect of environment on genes with reference to the lac operon

 Presence of lactose in the diet (environmental factor) switches on gene expression. Hence,

production of enzymes required to digest lactose occurs.

 E. coli bacteria in the gut has a cluster of genes called the lac operon. These genes code for the

transcription of beta-galactosidase into the mRNA.

 In the absence of lactose, a repressor is attached to the lac operon. This prevents RNA

polymerase from binding with it and hence no transcription. The enzyme cannot be produced.

 In the presence of lactose, repressor binds with the lactose molecule and changes shape. This

repressor-lactose complex cannot bind with the lac operon. RNA polymerase binds with lac

operon and an mRNA is transcribed.

 This mRNA leaves the nucleolus and is translated into beta-galactosidase in the ribosome.

Hence, lactose can be digested.

3. How can we study variation in humans?

4. What does the twin studies tell us about inheritance of height?
5. Study fig C
6. Explain fig D
7. Define Discontinuous and Continuous variation /OR/ state points of difference

Discontinuous variation is phenotypic features which are determined by a single or a few genes.
Environment has little to no effect on the phenotype. The phenotype will either be present or not.
Examples include: blood type, sex, tongue rolling

Continuous variation is phenotypic features determined by multiple genes (polygenic) and show a wide
range of values. The phenotype is influenced by environmental factors. Examples include: mass, height,
intelligence

8. Study fig E for objective questions