In a particular strain of E. coli , a mutation occurs in the i gene such that the synthesized repressor protein completely loses its affinity for the operator region. Which of the following best describes the expression of the lac operon in this mutant strain?

Step-by-step solution

The i gene of the lac operon codes for the repressor protein. Normally, this repressor binds to the operator region and prevents RNA polymerase from transcribing the structural genes ( z , y , and a ). In the given mutant strain, the repressor protein loses its affinity for the operator region. As a result, it can no longer bind to the operator to block transcription. Since the operator is never blocked by the repressor, RNA polymerase will continuously bind to the promoter and transcribe the structural genes. This