What role does cAMP play in the regulation of the lac operon?

What role does cAMP play in the regulation of the lac operon?

Step 1: Understand that the lac operon is a set of genes in bacteria that help them use lactose for energy.
Step 2: Know that cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) is a molecule that helps regulate the lac operon.
Step 3: Recognize that when glucose levels are low, cAMP levels increase.
Step 4: Realize that cAMP binds to a protein called CAP (catabolite activator protein).
Step 5: Understand that the cAMP-CAP complex helps RNA polymerase attach to the promoter of the lac operon.
Step 6: Conclude that this attachment allows the genes of the lac operon to be transcribed, enabling the bacteria to use lactose for energy.

No concepts available.