Lac repressor

The lac repressor is a DNA-binding protein which inhibits the expression of genes coding for proteins involved in the metabolism of lactose in bacteria. This occurs in the absence of lactose, presumably so that the organism doesn't waste amino acids producing unnecesary proteins. When lactose becomes available, it is converted into allolactose, which inhibits the Lac repressor's DNA binding ability.

Related Topics:
Expression - Gene - Proteins - Metabolism - Lactose - Allolactose

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