Concept explainers
Compare and contrast the roles of a corepressor and an inducer in negative regulation of an operon.

To compare: The functions of a corepressor and an inducer in negative regulation of an operon.
Introduction: Gene regulation is the process through which the cells control the expression of genes. It controls genes that are expressed to form a specific functional protein depending on the cell type. There are mechanisms that control gene expression at different levels.
Explanation of Solution
Operon contains coding DNA sequences, regulatory DNA sequences, and the regulatory proteins. Regulatory proteins act as both activators (TURN ON) and repressors (TURN OFF) of genes.
The similarities between corepressor and an inducer in negative regulation of an operon are as follows:
- Both are small molecules that bind to the repressor protein present in an operon, causing the repressor to change its shape.
The differences between the roles of a corepressor and an inducer in negative regulation of an operon are as follows:
Characteristics | Corepressor | Inducer |
Role in negative regulation of an operon |
A corepressor binds to the repressor protein, activates it to bind to the operator, and thereby inhibits transcription. For example, tryptophan acts as a corepressor in a trp operon. |
The binding of an inducer to the repressor protein makes it inactive and allows transcription of operon genes. For example, allolactose acts as an inducer in lac operon and binds to the lac repressor; hence, it cannot bind to the operator. |
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 18 Solutions
PEARSON ETEXT FOR CAMPBELL BIOLOGY
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)
SEELEY'S ANATOMY+PHYSIOLOGY
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Physics of Everyday Phenomena
- Briefly state the physical meaning of the electrocapillary equation (Lippman equation).arrow_forwardExplain in a small summary how: What genetic information can be obtained from a Punnet square? What genetic information cannot be determined from a Punnet square? Why might a Punnet Square be beneficial to understanding genetics/inheritance?arrow_forwardIn a small summary write down:arrow_forward
- Not part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forwardNoggin mutation: The mouse, one of the phenotypic consequences of Noggin mutationis mispatterning of the spinal cord, in the posterior region of the mouse embryo, suchthat in the hindlimb region the more ventral fates are lost, and the dorsal Pax3 domain isexpanded. (this experiment is not in the lectures).a. Hypothesis for why: What would be your hypothesis for why the ventral fatesare lost and dorsal fates expanded? Include in your answer the words notochord,BMP, SHH and either (or both of) surface ectoderm or lateral plate mesodermarrow_forwardNot part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forward
- Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage LearningConcepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College
- Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...BiologyISBN:9781305251052Author:Michael CummingsPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...BiologyISBN:9781337408332Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305389892Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning





