What would happen if there was a mutation in the operator of the trp operon?

Question:

Trp Operon Explained

The tryptophan (trp) operon is a cluster of genes that are tightly controlled and regulated by the same promoter in bacterial chromosomes. The functional genes in the trp operon code for enzymes that are important in the synthesis of tryptophan, an essential amino acid in most proteins. When tryptophan is found at high levels in the cell, the operon is shut off by a repressor molecule bound to the operator.

Operons are common in prokaryotic chromosomes but are rarely seen in eukaryotic genomes. Since prokaryotes have smaller genomes and only one copy of each gene (making them essentially haploid organisms that do not undergo sexual reproduction), the efficiency of their gene expression is essential to their survival. Operons increase the energetic efficiency and survival of prokaryotes by allowing certain genes to be expressed under certain environmental conditions while being repressed under different conditions. Let's look at the trp operon more closely.

Answer and Explanation: 1