IPTG Meaning and
Definition
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IPTG, short for isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside, is a chemical compound widely used in molecular biology research as an inducer of gene expression. It is a structural analog of allolactose, a natural lactose metabolite. IPTG is commonly employed in studies involving the lac operon, a cluster of genes involved in lactose metabolism in bacteria, as well as in recombinant DNA technology.
As an inducer, IPTG is added to bacterial cultures to initiate the expression of a gene or set of genes of interest. It acts by binding to the lac repressor protein, which typically binds to the operator region of the lac operon and prevents the transcription of downstream genes. Once bound to IPTG, the repressor protein undergoes a conformational change, leading to its detachment from the operator site, thereby allowing RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.
IPTG is favored in this application due to its stability and resistance to degradation by β-galactosidase, an enzyme produced by the lac operon. Additionally, IPTG does not serve as a carbon source for bacteria, ensuring that its presence alone does not promote gene expression.
In summary, IPTG is a widely used molecular biology reagent that acts as an inducer of gene expression. Its ability to release the lac repressor protein from the operator region of the lac operon has made it an invaluable tool for studying gene regulation and protein synthesis.
Common Misspellings for IPTG
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