The following test deals with the regulation of the trp operon of Escherichia coli. Two mutants of this operon are described: in mutant A, the operator region of the operon carries a point mutation so that it is unable to carry out its function; mutant B expresses a trp repressor protein unable to bind tryptophan. Review the principle of the regulation of this operon and then solve the following questions related to the behavior of the mutant cells using the options below.
A: Mutant A B: Mutant B C: Both of them D: Neither of them
a) _____ In the presence of tryptophan these cells behave like wild-type cells. b) _____ In the absence of tryptophan these cells behave like wild-type cells. c) _____ These cells are able to synthesize tryptophan.
d) _____ These cells are able to break down tryptophan.
e) _____ Tryptophan is able to act as an inducer in these cells.
f) _____ Tryptophan is able to act as a corepressor in these cells.
g) _____ The structural genes of the trp operon can be transcribed in these cells.
h) _____ In the presence of tryptophan RNA polymerase binds to the promoter of the trp operon in these cells.
i) _____ In the absence of tryptophan RNA polymerase binds to the promoter of the trp operon in these cells.
j) _____ These cells die if tryptophan is omitted from their medium.
k) _____ These mutants can be ââcuredââ by expressing wild-type trp repressor in them.
l) _____ These mutants can be ââcuredââ by transforming them with a wild-type trp operator.
