/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 2 In general, why is it important ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 14: Problem 2

In general, why is it important to regulate genes? Discuss examples of situations in which it would be advantageous for a bacterial cell to regulate genes.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Gene regulation is crucial because it enables organisms to adapt to changes in their environment and undergo vital cellular processes in a controlled manner. In bacterial cells, gene regulation saves energy because proteins are only produced when necessary, such as in the case of the Lac operon in E.coli. Here, the Lac operon is regulated based on the availability of lactose, and with the presence of both glucose and lactose, bacteria prefer using glucose. This regulatory mechanism aids bacteria in energy efficiency and adaptation to different environments.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Gene Regulation

Gene regulation is the process of turning genes on and off. It allows organisms to adapt to their environment and to undergo different cellular processes like differentiation and growth in a controlled fashion.
02

Understanding Benefits for Bacterial Cells

Regulation in bacterial cells is of tremendous importance. For instance, bacteria regulate genes to save energy as they only produce proteins when necessary. A well-known example is the Lac operon in E.coli which is regulated according to the availability of lactose.
03

In-Depth Example: Lac Operon

When lactose is not present, the Lac operon is switched off to prevent the production of enzymes which aren't required. Furthermore, when both glucose and lactose are present, bacteria prefer to use glucose (a less complex sugar) due to catabolite repression. This regulation helps bacteria to maximize their energy efficiency and to adapt to different environmental conditions.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How are the actions of lac repressor and trp repressor similar and how are they different with regard to their binding to operator sites, their effects on transcription, and the influences of small effector molecules?

Transcriptional repressor proteins (e.g., lac repressor), antisense RNA, and feedback inhibition are three different mechanisms that turn off the expression of genes and gene products. Which of these three mechanisms will be most effective in each of the following situations? A. Shutting down the synthesis of a polypeptide B. Shutting down the synthesis of mRNA C. Shutting off the function of a protein For your answers to parts \(\mathrm{A}-\mathrm{C}\) that list more than one mechanism, which mechanism will be the fastest or the most efficient?

What is diauxic growth? Explain the roles of cAMP and CAP in this process.

Translational control is usually aimed at preventing the initiation of translation. With regard to cellular efficiency, why do you think this is the case?

A species of bacteria can synthesize the amino acid histidine, so they do not require histidine in their growth medium. A key enzyme, which we will call histidine synthetase, is necessary for histidine biosynthesis. When these bacteria are given histidine in their growth medium, they stop synthesizing histidine intracellularly. Based on this observation alone, propose three different regulatory mechanisms to explain why histidine biosynthesis ceases when histidine is in the growth medium. To explore this phenomenon further, you measure the amount of intracellular histidine synthetase protein when cells are grown in the presence and absence of histidine. In both conditions, the amount of this protein is identical. Which mechanism of regulation is consistent with this observation?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Cell Communication

Read Explanation

Energy Transfers

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Biological Molecules

Read Explanation

Bioenergetics

Read Explanation

Communicable Diseases

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.