Identify the gene in the lac operon that synthesizes the enzyme required for the transport of lactose into the bacterial cell.

Step-by-step solution

The lac operon consists of three structural genes: z , y , and a . The z gene codes for -galactosidase, which is responsible for the hydrolysis of lactose into galactose and glucose. The y gene codes for permease, which increases the permeability of the cell to -galactosides, facilitating the transport of lactose into the bacterial cell. The a gene codes for transacetylase. The i gene codes for the repressor protein. Therefore, the y gene synthesizes the enzyme required for the transport of lactose. Answer: y gene