Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

16. Regulation of Expression

Prokaryotic Gene Regulation via Operons

General Biology

16. Regulation of Expression

Prokaryotic Gene Regulation via Operons

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is one way scientists are able to study operons in prokaryotic organisms?

By observing operon regulation in eukaryotic cells

By using reporter genes such as lacZ to monitor operon activity

By sequencing only the ribosomal RNA genes

By inhibiting all transcription with antibiotics

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of an operon: An operon is a cluster of genes in prokaryotic organisms that are transcribed together as a single mRNA molecule. It includes regulatory sequences like the promoter and operator, which control the expression of the genes.

Learn about reporter genes: Reporter genes, such as lacZ, are genes that produce easily measurable products (e.g., β-galactosidase in the case of lacZ). These genes are often used as markers to study gene expression and regulation.

Recognize how reporter genes are used: Scientists can insert reporter genes into an operon to monitor its activity. For example, when the operon is active, the reporter gene will be transcribed and translated, producing a detectable product.

Eliminate incorrect options: Observing operon regulation in eukaryotic cells is not relevant because operons are primarily found in prokaryotes. Sequencing only ribosomal RNA genes does not provide information about operon activity. Inhibiting all transcription with antibiotics would prevent any study of gene regulation.

Conclude that the correct method is using reporter genes like lacZ to monitor operon activity, as this allows scientists to study the regulation and expression of operons in prokaryotic organisms.