LacZ

LacZ

LacZ (/lækz/), is a gene from the lac operon that encodes the protein beta-galactosidase.

Etymology

The term "LacZ" is derived from the Lactose (Lac) operon in Escherichia coli (E. coli), where it was first discovered. The "Z" in LacZ refers to the specific gene within the operon that codes for the enzyme beta-galactosidase.

Function

The Beta-galactosidase enzyme, encoded by the LacZ gene, is involved in the metabolism of lactose in bacteria. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose. In molecular biology, the LacZ gene is commonly used as a reporter gene to monitor gene expression.

Related Terms

• Lac operon: A group of genes with related functions, usually in the same metabolic pathway, that are transcribed together under the control of a single promoter.
• Beta-galactosidase: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of beta-galactosides into monosaccharides.
• Reporter gene: A gene that researchers attach to a regulatory sequence of another gene of interest in bacteria, cell culture, animals or plants.

See Also

• LacI
• LacY
• LacA

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