Team:Stockholm/Modelling/Suitable model
From 2010.igem.org
Choosing proper model for LacI/allolactose dynamics
We start slowly by talking a little about Lac operon in E. Coli. Lac operon is responsible for transport and metabolism of lactose in e coli. It has a promoter site and three structural genes (LacZ, LacY and LacA). Availability of external Lactose and Glucose regulates this operon. In the absence of Lactose the LacI gene - which is always expressed, codes for the repressor and represses the expression the of Lac operon. When Lactose is available again for the bacteria in the absence of glucose, Allolactose (a β-galactosidase side reaction) binds to repressor and makes it impossible for the repressor to bind the operator on Lac operon. This will result in production of high levels of LacZ (β-galactosidase) , LacY (β-galactoside permease) and LacA; the latter is not interesting for our case. Lacz and LacY expression will lead to more production of Allolactose(a metabolite of lactose).