Gene Expression Regulation

Interactive animation and student activity for exploring gene regulation mechanisms.

Activity Instructions

  1. Use the System Controls to explore the lac operon animation
  2. Click on any colored element in the animation to learn about its function
  3. Complete all 7 inquiry questions by typing your responses in the text areas
  4. Enter your name and student ID in the fields provided
  5. Use the Save as PDF or Save as Word buttons to export your work

Lac Operon Simulation

Regulatory Gene
Produces Repressor
Promoter
RNA Polymerase Binding Site
Operator
Repressor Binding Site
lacZ
β-galactosidase
lacY
Permease
lacA
Transacetylase
Repressor Protein
RNA Polymerase
Lactose
mRNA Transcript
No Lactose Lactose Added Repressor Removed Transcription Active
1
2
3
4
Regulatory Gene
Promoter
Operator
Structural Genes

System Controls

Environment State

Step-by-Step Process

Animation Speed

Slow Medium Fast

Interactive Elements

Click on any colored element in the animation to learn more about its function in gene regulation.

System Status

Lactose Present
No
Repressor Bound
Yes
Transcription
OFF
mRNA Produced
No

Explore Other Systems

Student Information

Export Your Work

Once you've completed all questions, use these buttons to save your work for submission.

Inquiry-Based Learning Questions

Complete All Questions

Type your responses in the text boxes below. Your work will be saved with your export.

0
Answered
7
Questions