Usatestprep--According to the model, what is the role of maltose in the maltose operon?

Inducer

Explanation:

Structural proteins within bacteria are encoded along with their functions. These are typically found in a block of genes called an operon. They undergo transcription together with the use of a single promoter sequence to form a polycystronic transcript- this allows for the simultaneous control and regulation of biochemical pathways. This is efficient as these pathways would either need to function together when "switched on" or will not be needed when "switched off". Repressors are proteins that effectively hinder translation by binding to DNA at the operator site, blocking the activity of RNA polymerase in transcription. However inducers are small molecules that can displace these, freeing up the operon for transcription and the activation of relevant biochemical pathways.

The mal operon includes genes which mediate the breakdown of the substrate maltose in bacterial cells. Maltose, called a malt sugar, is a carbohydrate compound made up of two glucose molecules joined by an α-(1,4) glycosidic linkage.

In the presence of maltose, the inducer binds to the activator. This then allows for the binding of RNA polymerase, which facilitates translation and th epr