Inducible gene

Inducible Enzyme

An Inducible Enzyme is a type of enzyme that is synthesized in the cell as a response to a specific stimulus or environmental change. This is in contrast to constitutive enzymes, which are continuously produced in the cell regardless of environmental conditions.

Overview

Inducible enzymes are part of a broader category of proteins known as adaptive enzymes. These enzymes are not constantly present in the organism, but are produced or become active only in response to specific environmental stimuli. The production of inducible enzymes is typically regulated at the genetic level, through a process known as gene regulation.

Mechanism of Action

The production of inducible enzymes is typically controlled by a specific repressor protein. In the absence of the specific stimulus, the repressor protein binds to the operator gene, preventing the RNA polymerase from transcribing the enzyme's gene. When the specific stimulus is present, it binds to the repressor protein, changing its shape and preventing it from binding to the operator gene. This allows the RNA polymerase to transcribe the enzyme's gene, leading to the production of the inducible enzyme.

Examples

One of the most well-known examples of an inducible enzyme is the lac operon in E. coli. The lac operon is a set of genes that are responsible for the metabolism of lactose in the bacterium. When lactose is present in the environment, it acts as the specific stimulus that triggers the production of the enzymes necessary for lactose metabolism.

Another example is the production of cytochrome P450 enzymes in response to the presence of certain drugs or toxins. These enzymes are responsible for the metabolism of these substances, and their production is increased when the substances are present in the organism.

See Also

• Enzyme Regulation
• Gene Expression
• Operon