In the regulation of the lac operon in E. coli, a specific molecule binds to the repressor protein synthesized by the i gene. This interaction inactivates the repressor, preventing it from binding to the operator region. Identify this molecule.

Step-by-step solution

In the lac operon, the i gene continuously synthesizes the repressor protein. This repressor binds to the operator region, preventing RNA polymerase from transcribing the structural genes. When lactose is present, it acts as an inducer. It binds to the repressor protein and induces a conformational change that inactivates it. The inactivated repressor can no longer bind to the operator, allowing RNA polymerase access to the promoter to initiate transcription. Glucose does not act as an inducer for this operon. RNA