In E. coli, during lactose metabolism repressor binds to : -
- Promoter gene
- Operator gene
- Structural gene
- Regulator gene
Answer
(2) Operator gene
Solution
As per NCERT, the regulator gene (i) of the lac operon codes for the repressor protein.
In the absence of the inducer (lactose / allolactose), the repressor binds to the operator region and prevents RNA polymerase from transcribing the operon.
When lactose is present, it binds the repressor, which can no longer bind the operator, and transcription starts.
∴ The repressor binds to the operator gene.
Answer: (2)