ALUPE UNIVERSITY

BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT

BOT 400E: ADVANCED GENETICS NOTES

REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION IN PROKARYOTES

Gene expression in prokaryotes is tightly regulated, primarily to ensure efficient use of cellular
resources, particularly when responding to changes in the environment. Regulation of gene
expression allows prokaryotic cells to adapt to different conditions and to produce proteins only
when they are needed.

The key mechanisms for regulating gene expression in prokaryotes includes Transcriptional
Regulation. Transcription is the first step in gene expression, where RNA is synthesized from the
DNA template. In prokaryotes, transcriptional regulation is the most common form of gene
regulation.

Key features of transcriptional regulation in prokaryotes include:

 Promoters: These are sequences in the DNA that serve as the binding sites for RNA
polymerase to initiate transcription. Promoters often have specific sequences recognized
by the RNA polymerase or associated proteins.
 Operons: Prokaryotes often organize genes with related functions into units called operons,
which are transcribed together under the control of a single promoter. An operon consists
of a promoter, an operator (where regulatory proteins bind), and structural genes. The most
well-known example is the lac operon.
 Repressors: These are proteins that can bind to operators and inhibit the transcription of
genes. The lac repressor in the lac operon is a classic example of a repressor protein, which
prevents transcription when lactose is not available.
 Activators: Some genes require activator proteins to enhance transcription. For example,
the CAP (catabolite activator protein) is an activator for the lac operon, helping RNA
polymerase bind more efficiently to the promoter when glucose levels are low and lactose
is available.

Denis Misiko Mukhongo (PhD) denmismuk@[Link] 1

 ALUPE UNIVERSITY
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
BOT 400E: ADVANCED GENETICS NOTES

 Inducible and Repressible Systems: Prokaryotic gene regulation can be classified as either
inducible (genes are usually off but can be turned on in response to an inducer, such as the
lac operon) or repressible (genes are usually on but can be turned off in response to a
repressor molecule, such as in the tryptophan operon).

What is an Operon?

An operon is a group of related genes in bacteria that are regulated and expressed together. These
genes work together to perform a specific task, like breaking down sugar or building a protein.
The operon system allows the bacteria to control when these genes are turned on or off based on
the environment and the needs of the cell.

Key components of an operon:

1. Promoter: This is a region where the RNA polymerase (an enzyme) binds to begin
transcribing the genes into mRNA. The mRNA will later be used to produce proteins.
2. Operator: This is a switch-like region where a repressor protein can bind. The repressor
either blocks or allows RNA polymerase to continue transcribing the genes. Think of it as
a gatekeeper controlling gene activity.
3. Structural Genes: These are the actual genes that code for proteins or enzymes. These
proteins are involved in specific functions, like digesting food or making important
molecules for the cell.
4. Regulatory Gene: This gene is outside the operon, and it produces a repressor protein. The
repressor controls whether the operon is on or off, usually by binding to the operator.

Denis Misiko Mukhongo (PhD) denmismuk@[Link] 2

 ALUPE UNIVERSITY
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
BOT 400E: ADVANCED GENETICS NOTES

Figure showing the structure of an operon

Two Types of Operons exist:

1. Inducible Operons (Example: Lac Operon):

2. Repressible Operons (Example: Trp Operon):

Why are Operons important?

 Energy Efficiency: Operons allow bacteria to save energy by turning genes on only when
they are needed. This way, they don’t waste resources making proteins or enzymes that
aren’t required at the moment.
 Environmental Adaptability: Bacteria often need to adapt to changing environments.
Operons let them adjust quickly by turning on or off groups of genes at once, depending
on what's available in the environment. For instance, if a certain sugar is available, an
inducible operon helps the cell make the enzymes to break it down.

Denis Misiko Mukhongo (PhD) denmismuk@[Link] 3

 ALUPE UNIVERSITY
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
BOT 400E: ADVANCED GENETICS NOTES

Simple Analogy:

Think of an operon like a factory. The promoter is the factory gate where workers (RNA
polymerase) can enter to start making products (proteins). The operator is the switch that controls
whether the factory is open or closed. The repressor is like a guard who blocks the entrance to stop
workers from coming in, but the guard can be removed if the company needs to start working. The
inducer or corepressor is like a signal that tells the guard whether to let workers in or not.

In summary:

 Operons help bacteria control when to turn on or off a group of genes based on their needs.
 They are composed of a promoter, operator, structural genes, and regulatory gene.
 Inducible operons are turned on by an inducer, while repressible operons are turned off by
a corepressor.
 This system makes gene regulation efficient and responsive to the environment.

 Inducible Operon

An inducible operon is a group of genes that are normally turned off, but they can be turned on
when something specific (an "inducer") is present in the environment.

Example: The Lac Operon (found in E. coli)

The Lac operon is the most famous example of an inducible operon. It helps E. coli break down
lactose (a sugar).

How It Works:

1. Normally Off: When there is no lactose around, the lac operon is turned off. This is because
a repressor protein is bound to the operator region of the operon, blocking the gene from
being copied by the DNA dependent RNA polymerase (transcribed).

Denis Misiko Mukhongo (PhD) denmismuk@[Link] 4

 ALUPE UNIVERSITY
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
BOT 400E: ADVANCED GENETICS NOTES

2. When Lactose is Present: If lactose is available, lactose molecules act as an "inducer." The
lactose binds to the repressor protein, causing it to change shape. This shape change
removes the repressor from the operator.
3. Gene Transcription: With the repressor no longer blocking the operator, the DNA
dependent RNA polymerase can now transcribe the genes in the operon. This leads to the
production of proteins that help the cell use lactose as an energy source.

A figure showing the Lac operon (an inducible operon)

Key Points:

 Inducible Operon = "Turned off until needed"

 Inducer (like lactose) turns it on by inactivating the repressor.
 Result: Genes for breaking down lactose are produced only when lactose is available.

Denis Misiko Mukhongo (PhD) denmismuk@[Link] 5

 ALUPE UNIVERSITY
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
BOT 400E: ADVANCED GENETICS NOTES

A quick summary of the process:

1. No lactose → repressor blocks gene expression (operon is off).

2. Lactose present → lactose binds to repressor → repressor falls off → genes are turned on.

This way, the cell only makes the enzymes to digest lactose when it's actually needed, saving
energy.

 Repressible Operon

A repressible operon is the opposite of an inducible operon. It is usually turned on (active), but can
be turned off when a certain molecule (called a corepressor) is present.

Example: The Trp Operon (found in E. coli)

The trp operon is a good example of a repressible operon. It helps E. coli make tryptophan, an
amino acid.

How It Works:

1. Normally On: When there is low tryptophan in the environment, the trp operon is turned
on. This means the genes are being expressed, and the cell is making tryptophan.
2. When Tryptophan is Present: If there is enough tryptophan around, tryptophan acts as a
corepressor. It binds to the repressor protein, which activates the repressor. This active
repressor then binds to the operator, blocking the operon from being transcribed by DNA
dependent RNA polymerase.
3. Gene Transcription Stops: With the repressor bound to the operator, the genes are no longer
transcribed by the DNA dependent RNA polymerase. The cell stops making tryptophan
because there is already enough in the environment.

Denis Misiko Mukhongo (PhD) denmismuk@[Link] 6

 ALUPE UNIVERSITY
BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
BOT 400E: ADVANCED GENETICS NOTES

A figure showing the trp operon (a repressible operon)

Key points:

 Repressible Operon = "Normally on, but turned off when enough of a molecule
(corepressor) is present."
 Corepressor (like tryptophan) turns it off by activating the repressor.
 Result: Genes for making tryptophan are turned off when there's enough tryptophan
available.

A quick summary of the process:

1. Low tryptophan → operon is on → genes are active (making tryptophan).

2. High tryptophan → tryptophan binds to the repressor → repressor blocks operon → genes
are turned off.

This way, the cell only makes tryptophan when it really needs to, and doesn't waste energy making
more when it's already plentiful.

Denis Misiko Mukhongo (PhD) denmismuk@[Link] 7