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Ch. 12 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria and Bacteriophage
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 12, Problem 8

The CAP binding site in the lac promoter is the location of positive regulation of gene expression for the operon. Identify what binds at this site to produce positive regulation, under what circumstances binding occurs, and how binding exerts a positive effect.

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Identify the molecule that binds to the CAP binding site: The molecule that binds to the CAP binding site is the catabolite activator protein (CAP), also known as cAMP receptor protein (CRP).
Determine the circumstances under which CAP binds to the site: CAP binds to the CAP binding site when it is complexed with cyclic AMP (cAMP). This occurs when glucose levels are low, leading to an increase in cAMP levels.
Explain how the binding of CAP-cAMP complex occurs: The CAP-cAMP complex binds to the CAP binding site located upstream of the lac operon promoter.
Describe the effect of CAP-cAMP binding on gene expression: The binding of the CAP-cAMP complex facilitates the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter, enhancing the transcription of the lac operon genes.
Summarize the overall impact of CAP-cAMP binding: The positive regulation by CAP-cAMP ensures that the lac operon is expressed when glucose is scarce and lactose is available, allowing the cell to utilize lactose as an energy source.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

CAP Protein

The CAP (catabolite activator protein) is a transcription factor that binds to the CAP binding site in the lac promoter. This protein is crucial for the positive regulation of the lac operon, as it enhances the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter, facilitating the transcription of genes involved in lactose metabolism.
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cAMP Levels

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a signaling molecule that plays a vital role in the regulation of the lac operon. When glucose levels are low, cAMP levels rise, leading to the activation of CAP. The binding of cAMP to CAP is necessary for CAP to attach to the CAP binding site, thus promoting gene expression in the presence of lactose.
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Positive Regulation

Positive regulation refers to the process by which a regulatory protein, such as CAP, increases the likelihood of transcription of a gene. In the case of the lac operon, when CAP binds to the CAP binding site in the presence of cAMP, it enhances RNA polymerase's affinity for the promoter, leading to increased transcription of the operon genes, especially when lactose is available.
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